The notion of sanctuary—both physical and psychological—has been fundamental in shaping a sense of selfhood and social identity throughout human history. But in an era of increasing global migration and rising nationalism, the right to safe haven is under threat, and the necessity for compassion is greater than ever. Seeking to address these issues and ideas, FOR-SITE invited 36 artists from 21 different countries to design contemporary rugs reflecting on sanctuary, offering visitors a multiplicity of perspectives on the basic human need for refuge, protection, and sacred ground.
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- Behind the Scenes
Pots of pigments that are used in dyeing yarn for the handmade rugs. Photo: ALRUG.com
An artisan in Pakistan prepares dye during the rug-making process. Photo: ALRUG.com
Dyeing wool for one of the rugs; artisans identify the specific color array required for each rug and dye the yarn in batches to match. Photo: ALRUG.com
Dyeing wool for one of the rugs; rug-makers check the yarn frequently to achieve the correct hue. Photo: ALRUG.com
Drying the dyed wool; a single design might require dozens of different colors of yarn. Photo: ALRUG.com
Weavers use a meticulous hand-knotting technique; the Senneh knot, or Persian knot, is preferred for intricate designs, such as the rugs for Sanctuary. Photo: ALRUG.com
Cutting the finished rug from the loom. Photo: ALRUG.com
Trimming the rug; the warp on which the yarn is woven becomes the fringe of the finished rug. Photo: ALRUG.com - Installation Views
Sanctuary installation view; photo: Robert Divers Herrick
Sanctuary installation view; photo: Robert Divers Herrick
Sanctuary installation view (detail); photo: Robert Divers Herrick
Sanctuary installation view (detail); photo: Robert Divers Herrick
Sanctuary installation view (detail); photo: Robert Divers Herrick
Sanctuary installation view (detail); photo: Robert Divers Herrick - In the Press
