Contemporary Artists Use the Rug as a Vehicle for Expression at the Museum of Craft and Design

The Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco is currently hosting an intriguing exhibition titled “RugLife,” which showcases the work of 14 contemporary artists who use rugs as a medium to delve into various cultural issues. Curated by Ginger Gregg Duggan and Judith Hoos Fox of c²-curatorsquared, this exhibition explores the transformation of rugs from functional objects to pieces of art that address topics such as religion, technology, social justice, housing, and the environment.

The artists featured in “RugLife” come from diverse backgrounds, including the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and work with a variety of materials such as yarn, cardboard, repurposed carpets, and even hair combs. Some of the notable artists included in the exhibition are Nevin Aladağ, Azra Aksamija, Ali Cha’aban, Sonya Clark, Nicholas Galanin, and Ai Weiwei, among others.

One of the standout pieces in the exhibition is Ai Weiwei’s “Tyger” (2022), commissioned for the Tomorrow’s Tigers project by the World Wildlife Fund. In Tibetan culture, the tiger symbolizes wisdom and strength, traditionally depicted in tiger rugs with the animal’s pelt sprawled out. Weiwei’s interpretation turns this tradition on its head, portraying the tiger in a more defensive posture, challenging the viewer’s perception of power and vulnerability.

Each rug in the exhibition offers a unique perspective on global and personal issues, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of home, identity, aesthetics, and ethics. The artists’ innovative use of the rug as a canvas for artistic expression highlights the enduring relevance and versatility of this everyday object.

“RugLife” will be on display at the Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco until April 20. To learn more about the exhibition, visit sfmcd.org. This exhibition is supported by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

If you’re in the San Francisco area, don’t miss the opportunity to experience this thought-provoking exhibition that celebrates the intersection of art, culture, and everyday objects.