Christopher Joshua Benton's Record Carpet Installed at Abu Dhabi Souk

Christopher Joshua Benton has created a monumental artificial grass carpet titled "Where Lies My Carpet is Thy Home" at the Abu Dhabi carpet souk, measuring 66 by 42 meters. The installation, commissioned by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi for the 2024 Public Art Biennial, is on view until April 30, 2025. Curated by Reem Fada and Carmen Hassan, the work incorporates designs inspired by Afghan war rugs and kilim grid patterns, depicting stories of carpet traders from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. The carpet serves as a community gathering space in a district originally built 25 years ago by Sheikh Zayed for carpet sellers. Benton collaborated with souk merchants and drew from personal narratives shared during majlis gatherings. The piece also illustrates the carpet production cycle, from wool collection to indigo dyeing to souk sales. The biennial, part of Public Art Abu Dhabi, aims to explore the concept of "public" and foster community connections.