KNOTS AND SOULS: EXHIBITION AND SALE OF RUGS WITH AUTHENTIC STORIES

11th to 16th of September 2024

Venue: Visual Arts Centre: 10 Penang Road, #01-02 Dhoby Ghaut Green, Singapore 238469

Preview: September: 10th, 15:00 - 20:00,

September 11th to 16th: 11:00 to 20:00

HERITAGE COLLECTION A long Personal Journey since 1985.

“I have a wish if fate would let me be, To set us all from sorrow free.” —Hafez.

I joined the family business at a very young age and have had the incredible opportunity to see and touch thousands upon thousands of rugs over the past 40 years. I was deeply involved in the day-to-day operations, and even years before that, I eagerly frequented the carpet bazaars as a child.

Observing the designs, colours, textures, traditions, stories, and history, and most importantly, learning from the experiences of the old men of the bazaar, has allowed me to accumulate a wealth of knowledge and experience that enables me to view Persian rugs from a unique perspective and know the stories behind every piece.

Stories and cultural substance make a rug more appealing and valuable, so I have collected carpets for this occasion that are superior in aesthetics and technique and rich in cultural significance.

The rugs represented in this exhibition are such carpets. I would be honoured to share them with you and introduce the viewers to their amazing world.

A COLLECTION OF AUTHENTIC CREATIONS

“I went to the potter’s shop yesterday, I saw a thousand pots, mute and shouting, on display, Suddenly, one roared as if to say, Gone in clay are the potters, buyers, and sellers today.” Omar Khayyam

Age is not necessarily a virtue for a Persian rug, but there is a certain vibe in old and antique carpets that is rare to find in younger ones.

Perhaps the reason lies in the circumstances of the past, when ideas were more authentic, less influenced by mass media, and minds were less cluttered. It was a time when the concept of time itself was different.

Many masterpieces emerged from that era, when creations were far more artistic than commercial.

While many carpets in this collection are old and antique, one should not overlook the value of contemporary rugs, crafted by weavers and designers who have poured their mind and soul into their work.

Modern reinterpretation of an ancient form of art.

In a world where anxiety, rush, and noise have become everyday companions for many of us, the need to reconnect with our original selves and the calm that lies deep within our souls has never been more urgent.

And where better to find this peace and rediscover our true selves than in a beautiful home—a sanctuary where we can escape the black-and-white world outside?

Carpets can do more than just enhance a home’s aesthetics and comfort; some possess the power to act as relics, linking us to worlds of culture and sublime beauty, and providing a pervasive aura of calm and depth.

I deeply value the stories and meanings behind every artistic creation. Decades of passionate work have granted me insight into designing rugs that draw upon the rich cultural heritage passed down by our ancestors, in a land known as the cradle of civilization. My designs strive to reflect the timeless ideas and virtues that have always intrigued humankind, inspiring them to contemplate life and its deeper meanings, while also incorporating contemporary reinterpretations that resonate with the modern world.