Sanctuary

What does sanctuary mean to you? Step inside an immersive and contemplative space dedicated to exploring the concept of safe haven. Woven rugs designed by thirty-six leading artists from around the world, including Mona Hatoum and Brendan Fernandes, reflect their personal responses to the word sanctuary — whether that means refuge, sacred space, place of beauty, or something entirely unique.

REFLECTING PERSONAL HISTORIES
The 36 artworks are spectacularly varied, reflecting the great diversity of the artists’ heritages, philosophies, and histories — many of which include experiences as refugees and migrants.

THE PROCESS 
The artists, representing 22 countries, were invited to create designs for the 4-by-6-ft. wool rugs, which were then handwoven by artisans in Lahore, Pakistan, following centuries-old regional techniques and using more than 100 different colors.

SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
The rugs will be showcased in an immersive environment developed by Sarajevo-born artist and architecture historian Azra Akšamija at her lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Created from recycled and reused materials, the exhibition design honours the earth as a sanctuary for all life.

THE RIGHT TO SAFE HAVEN
Sanctuary comes at a critical moment in world history, where one person is forcibly displaced every two seconds because of conflict or persecution, according to the United Nations.

RUGS AS MEDIUM FOR CULTURAL EXPRESSION
Rug designs have often been informed by personal narratives and community. Patterns, symbols, colour, and material were traditionally selected to embody stories of history, place, purpose, and faith.

FOR-SITE FOUNDATION
This exhibition is organized by the FOR-SITE Foundation, a San Francisco-based non-profit dedicated to the idea that art can inspire fresh thinking and important dialogue about our natural and cultural environment.

This project is supported by Partners in Art.