Christopher Joshua Benton’s Where Lies My Carpet Is Thy Home

What if a carpet could tell a story? Christopher Joshua Benton’s “Where Lies My Carpet Is Thy Home” does just that. Right here, in the heart of Abu Dhabi, this sprawling artwork isn’t just something to look at. It’s a place to walk on, sit on, and experience. Christopher Joshua Benton’s “Where Lies My Carpet Is Thy Home” was commissioned for the inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial. It transforms a patch of sand opposite the historic Carpet Souk into a vibrant public plaza. The “carpet” itself is a massive expanse of hand-cut astroturf, covering an area larger than a football pitch. Its design, inspired by traditional Afghan war carpets, takes on a playful, pixelated form reminiscent of 1980s kilim weaving. This pixelated pattern also creates a connection to the digital world. But Christopher Joshua Benton’s “Where Lies My Carpet Is Thy Home” is more than just an impressive visual spectacle. It’s the result of a deep, eight-month collaboration with the local carpet merchants. Benton and his team conducted over 100 interviews and majlis listening sessions. They gathered stories of homeland, dreams, and daily life in the souk. One story that resonated deeply was Wali Khan’s. He shared his longing for his apple orchard back in Afghanistan. This inspired a section of the carpet design known as “1001 Apples,” a tribute to Wali’s connection to his roots. Another story came from a young merchant named Hassan, who shared his ambitious plans for the future. He envisioned a grand building in the city, his future family office, complete with a penthouse. This too found its way into the design, woven into the fabric of the carpet. The creation of Christopher Joshua Benton’s “Where Lies My Carpet Is Thy Home” was a massive undertaking. It involved 3,000 meters of astroturf, 18,000 man-hours, 40 construction workers, and even a custom skin-tone color of astroturf never produced before. Pavilions, seating areas inspired by traditional Afghan and Pakistani designs, and a viewing tower complete the plaza, creating a dynamic space for social interaction and cultural celebration. Christopher Joshua Benton’s “Where Lies My Carpet Is Thy Home” is designed to be semi-permanent, remaining in place for at least three years. Benton hopes it will serve as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Carpet Souk and its community, and as a model for future socially engaged art projects. He envisions it as a space where art becomes a tool for social change and community empowerment, a place where stories are told, connections are made, and dreams take root.