Rug, 2001 | Rug in the White House, 2013

Wool, coton and leather | Dimension: 183 x 275 cm | Edition of 5

The design of this carpet was created using the shape of 26 anti-personnel land mines out of a total of 350 existing models, reproduced life-size, and still manufactured in various countries, among them China, Russia, Iran, Syria, India and the United State. These mines  are arrange symmetrically throughout, in a traditional afghan design. This carpet was made in a cooperative located in the city of Dera Ghazi Khan in Pakistan.

“Like a a squaring off of contaminated land, the carpet conceals in its fibers the destructive effects of these pernicious weapons. Setting itself off from its functions related to welcoming, hospitality and prayer, Rug becomes charged with the underhand crimes fostered by desires of conquering territory or controlling others.”