The School of Religion, Theology, and Peace Studies at Trinity College Dublin is pleased to present ‘The Aesthetics of Chaos’: A Visual Introduction of Women’s Narratives in Afghan War Rug Artistry, in collaboration with Iranian rug
expert and collector Saman Khodayarifard.
The exhibition features 21 pieces of war rugs from Afghanistan – all of which will be available for the public to view in Dublin for the first time.
This exhibition will examine how these works of art create a symbolic language to represent conflict, suffering, and beauty. Images of war are ofen synonymous with destruction and despair.
However, a unique form of art, the war rug, 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 seen as a grassroots form 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 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.
This exhibition is supported by the AHSS Faculty Events Fund
Open to the public, free entry: 11-24 May
Mon-Fri: 10am-7pm, Sat: 10am-4pm
(closed on Sundays)
Private view of:
‘The Aesthetics of Chaos’: A Visual Introduction of Women’s Narratives in Afghan War Rug Artistry
Featuring a collection of 21 war rugs curated by Saman Khodayarifard
Friday 10 May, 5-7pm
Featuring talks by:
• Saman Khodayarifard
Iranian Carpet Studies lecturer and collector
• Dr. Gillian Wylie
Associate Professor, International Peace Studies, Trinity College Dublin
• Dr. Moya Carey
Curator of Islamic Collections, Chester Beatty
RSVP to sradmdbIn@tcd.ie
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War rug exhibition Collection
The Chowk-e Shahr-e Now
The carpet Chowk-e Shahr-e Now, derived from one of the main squares of Herat city, is 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, featuring three American helicopters. The carpet’s bold and vivid color composition renders it a remarkable piece of art.
