The American Context (2012) is a seminal quilt collection by Luke Haynes that investigates the relationship between historically recognized fine art and traditional quilting. In this series, Haynes reimagines iconic poses and compositions from classical American paintings—reconfiguring them through the lens of textile work and traditional quilt-making techniques.

The intent of the collection was to challenge the rigid boundaries between art and craft, urging high art institutions to recognize quilts as legitimate fine art and quilt-makers as contemporary artists. Each piece engages with the history of American visual culture while positioning the quilt as a medium of both aesthetic and conceptual weight.

The American Context debuted in a solo exhibition in Chelsea, New York, and many works from the collection have since been acquired by major art institutions.