Opening: 6 February 2017, 7 pm
Hauptplatz 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
Exhibition: 7 February – 4 March 2017

Reinisch Contemporary presents two exhibitions of nomadic rugs, which originate from two geographically very distant areas yet display remarkable communalities. The gallery on the main square of Graz will focus on high-pile rugs from the central Anatolian highlands, so-called tulus. Marked by an extreme reduction of form, they are often monochrome and almost exclusively produced for private use. Their simplified design vocabulary, which ultimately derives from classic carpet ornamentation as well as archaic, pre-Islamic symbols and signs, immediately reminds the Western observer of the aesthetic notions of modern art. The clarity, abstraction and strong visual impact of these textiles approximate modern image conceptions. Frequently, tulus served as mats, duvets, prayer rugs, saddlecloths or insulation material for tents. Thus, like all rugs, they are essentially multifunctional objects. One recognises them not just visually, as suggested by occidental perception; the material’s tactile character also intimates multi-sensuality.

Relatively disregarded until recently, tulus now increasingly excite the interest of Western collectors and – like the Luri Gabbehs of western Iran – are becoming part of contemporary furnishing concepts.

Günther Holler-Schuster