War Rugs from Afghanistan at MART

October 30, 2014

War rug showing map of Afghanistan, 1989-1992

As part of its cultural programme for the centenary of the First World War, MART is exhibiting 50 war rugs from Afghanistan at the Casa d’Arte Futurista Depero, Rovereto, northern Italy, 11 October 2014-1 March 2015. The war rugs in ‘Calpestare la guerra/Step on War’ reflect Afghanistan’s turbulent history in the late 20th century and document the dramatic transformation of the ancient tradition of rug weaving at the time of the Soviet occupation (1979–89) and the American invasion that started in 2001. Kalashnikovs, tanks and helicopters have replaced traditional motifs, creating a new iconography.

War rug showing Kalashnikov AK 47, 1980-1989

The museum, which is dedicated to the Italian Futurist artist Fortunato Depero, was intended as a venue for meeting and dialogue. The current exhibition is also a campaign for peace and human rights, as promoted by the partner CooperAction, a charity. Several of the more recent rugs on display are believed to be products of child labour, an issue addressed by CooperAction. Along with the rugs, “handkerchiefs of peace” will be exhibited, made by women and children and depicting scenes from life in a war zone. The exhibition is curated by Nicoletta Boschiero and Edoardo Marino, author of Guerre a tappeto. Storia dell’Afghanistan nelle trame dei tappeti di Guerra.