In the realm where threads intertwine and artistry takes form, carpets transcend their utilitarian purpose to emerge as storytellers of an “Eden.” These woven masterpieces are not merely floor coverings; they are intricate narratives, whispering tales of fantasy and captivating viewers with their mesmerizing dance of patterns and colors.
Carpets, traditionally viewed as patterned surfaces, have long served as inspiration for artists. In the late nineteenth century, they became a point of reference for painters, and with the rise of Orientalism, Oriental carpets evolved into iconic symbols of exotic allure. This enduring fascination highlights how carpets have always been perceived as more than just functional objects.
These carpets, much like dreamers seeking paradise, aspire to an “Eden.” They are imbued with the essence of enchanted gardens and dreamlike sanctuaries. Within the familiar spaces of our homes, these carpets transform into havens where imagination flourishes, blurring the lines between reality and reverie.
Artists, consciously or unconsciously, are drawn to the complex embrace of these textile gardens. Some find themselves captivated by the structured order within the patterns, discovering comfort in the rhythmic geometry of carpet design. This structured beauty provides a foundation, yet within it lies a universe of boundless creative exploration – a realm where artists navigate uncharted territories of fantasy.
Venturing beyond the surface, artists delve into the unseen depths of imagination, weaving layers of fantasy that transcend the tangible. Here, carpets are no longer confined to being mere floor coverings; they metamorphose into canvases, hosting symphonies of dreams where fantasy begets further flights of imagination. The concept of “fantasy within fantasy” becomes a gateway, inviting artists to journey into the profound depths of their creative minds. As they weave their artistic narratives, they infuse these tapestries with the very essence of their dreams, seamlessly merging reality and fantasy in an enchanting ballet of creation.
The exhibition, “Carpets of Eden, Gardens of Fantasy,” beckons viewers to embark on an exploration of these captivating realms – a pilgrimage through fantastical gardens “where” carpets dream and artists awaken the dormant magic within the mundane. Each step taken in this exhibition unveils a new narrative, a brushstroke of creativity ignited by the rich tapestry beneath our feet. This exhibition stands as a powerful testament to the extraordinary potential residing within the overlooked aspects of our everyday lives – a celebration of the ordinary transformed into the extraordinary.
This exhibition not only provides fresh perspectives on carpet research and artistic inquiry but also presents the carpet as a model for interpreting art and its history in a broader context.
Artists:
Etel Adnan, Faig Ahmed, Maryam Al-Homaid, Ayman Baalbaki, Melis Buyruk, Josefina Concha, Ali Cha’aban, Mohammad Ehsaei, Bijan Ghaseminejad, Shoeib Gorgani, Marcos Grigorian, Shahzad Hassan Ghazi, Areen Hassan, Mona Hatoum, Debbie Lawson, Aref Montazeri, Soheil Rad, Farid Rasulov, Marwan Sahmarani, Antonio Santin, Parviz Tanavoli, Shaheer Zazai.
