NO SHOES ON THE CARPET

"Despite the high demand for Persian carpets in Europe, people often neglect them, contrasting sharply with their revered status in Iranian and diasporic cultural contexts. This mistreatment in Western spaces shortens their lifespan and disregards their significance as cultural heritage, perpetuating colonial cultural violence akin to whitewashing.
NO SHOES ON THE CARPET explores reclaiming and preserving cultural agency through the craft of carpet-making. Subverting traditional power dynamics where shoes disrespect carpets, this carpet is made entirely from shoes and materials traditionally found in them, such as mesh, leather and laces. The pattern draws inspiration from traditional Iranian carpets featuring symmetrical Persian gardens with a central fountain.
The project aims to bridge culture between Iran and its diaspora, reframing the marginalisation of Persian carpets in Western spaces not as victimhood, but as a site for resistance, creativity and liberation."