This exhibition will examine how these works of art create a symbolic language to represent conflict, suﬀering, and beauty. Images of war are often synonymous with destruction and despair.
However, a unique form of art, the Afghan war rugs, challenges this perception by combining modern imageries of war with the traditional motifs of rugs. The rugs incorporate tanks, helicopters, and weapons into the geometric patterns and floral designs of Afghan carpets. This juxtaposition is jarring and surreal, reflecting the disruption of
war intruding into everyday life.

The rugs can be a kind of protest art, using symbolic imagery to depict war from the perspectives of civilians. They also communicate the trauma, fear, anxiety, and surreal experience of living with violence that the
weavers themselves faced, oﬀering emotional and psychological perspectives on the impact of war.
The role of women in the production of Afghan war rugs is particularly noteworthy. Afghan women have been largely responsible for creating these rugs, transforming a domestic and industrial art form into a powerful mode of expression and manifesting how there is no gender gap in the battle scene. The tactile experience of rugs adds
layers of meaning to these objects, setting them apart from other types of visual art.

These rugs serve not only as an expression against violence but also as a testament to the resilience of the people who create them in the face of devastating conflict.

Afghan war rugs exhibition Collection

The Chowk-e Shahr-e Now Rug

The Chowk-e Shahr-e Now rug is derived from one of the main squares of Herat city adorned with intricate details. In the top left corner, “1389”, the year on solar calendar, is elegantly inscribed in English. Depicting the daily life of Herat city. this carpet is considered as a war rug because of three American helicopters. This remarkable piece of art has bold and vivid colors.