individual matches form an ornate patterned rug and individual matches break away

Hadi Rahnaward, “Fragile Balance,” installation view of ‘Dislocations’ at Palais de Tokyo. Photo by Quentin Chevrier. All images shared with permission

Stamped with a footprint and burned patches, Hadi Rahnaward’s matchstick rug at Palais de Tokyo frays at the edges. Titled “Fragile Balance,” the meticulously laid installation is part of the exhibition Dislocations curated in partnership Portes ouvertes sur l’art, a nonprofit supporting artists in exile.

Rahnaward works across film, photography, and installation and is interested in the cycles of violence within his native Afghanistan, particularly concerning Taliban rule. Weaving and rugmaking have long traditions with the region’s nomadic tribes, and the practice today continues both in the country and with refugees who fled during the Soviet-Afghan war. In “Fragile Balance,” innumerable matches cram together, and the combination of pristine, red heads and charred tips creates an ornate motif. Remnants of violence appear to erode such a powerful symbol of value and culture, which splinters and piles up like rubble.

Dislocations is on view through June 30, and you can follow Rahnaward on Instagram.

 

individual matches form an ornate patterned rug and individual matches break away

Photo by Quentin Chevrier

a pile of matchsticks sits atop of a rug made of matchsticks

Photo courtesy of the artist

a footprint appears in a matchstick rug

Photo courtesy of the artist

individual matches form an ornate patterned rug and individual matches break away

Photo by Quentin Chevrier

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Hadi Rahnaward’s Fraying Rug of Charred and Pristine Matchsticks Crumbles Under Violence appeared first on Colossal.

©

Related Posts

Hadi Rahnaward’s Fraying Rug of Charred and Pristine Matchsticks Crumbles Under ViolenceHadi Rahnaward’s Fraying Rug of Charred and Pristine Matchsticks Crumbles Under Violence
On the Move: Key industry and career...
Jasmax appoints prominent women to senior positions Jasmax has appointed two...
Read more
Houten wandbekleding inspiratieHouten wandbekleding inspiratie
15x Houten wandbekleding inspiratie
Zondag hebben we de stoere binnenkijker laten zien van The...
Read more
Hadi Rahnaward’s Fraying Rug of Charred and Pristine Matchsticks Crumbles Under ViolenceHadi Rahnaward’s Fraying Rug of Charred and Pristine Matchsticks Crumbles Under Violence
Wacaco built the World’s Smallest Espresso Maker…...
The quest for truly good coffee on the go has...
Read more
Photo: Upfest / Weston WallzPhoto: Upfest / Weston Wallz
Street art turned my town into a...
...
Read more
The Thomas Juul-Hansen designed Shoals The Thomas Juul-Hansen designed Shoals
This “Boatel” on Long Island’s North Fork...
East Long Island is best known for the Hamptons, an...
Read more
Hadi Rahnaward’s Fraying Rug of Charred and Pristine Matchsticks Crumbles Under ViolenceHadi Rahnaward’s Fraying Rug of Charred and Pristine Matchsticks Crumbles Under Violence
GANG Studio’s Flip Chair Was Born From...
You know that double-sided colored paper, one side red, one...
Read more