A war rug with a map of Afghanistan’s provinces. Photo: Genevieve Jacobs.
I weave what I have seen: The War Rugs of Afghanistan is a testimony to the creativity and resilience of Afghan weavers who have faced the devastating effects of war for more than forty years.
From the very start of the conflict, Afghan weavers began developing a striking new form of war art involving a complex imagery of armaments, maps, monuments, texts and portraits which soon began to find an international audience.
Emerging out of a research project undertaken at the Australian National University by Tim Bonyhady and Nigel Lendon, this exhibition investigates the history, iconography, production and distribution of these extraordinary rugs.
The exhibition and its national tour are organised by the ANU Drill Hall Gallery in conjunction with Tim Bonyhady.
What: I weave what I have seen: The War Rugs of Afghanistan
When: Friday 25 June to Sunday 15 August
Where: ANU Drill Hall Gallery, Kingsley Street, Acton ACT
Cost: Free entry; register online.
