In ‘Illuminated Threads,’ Artist Faig Ahmed Distorts Pious History

An installation view of "Illuminated Threads: Contemporary and Traditional Rugs" is at the Birmingham Museum of Art.

A gallery at the Birmingham Museum of Art displays seven prayer rugs from the SWANA region, including a large, distorted contemporary rug by Faig Ahmed that appears to melt from the wall onto the floor.

“Illuminated Threads: Contemporary and Traditional Rugs” is at the Birmingham Museum of Art through April 13, 2025.

In ‘Illuminated Threads,’ Artist Faig Ahmed Distorts Pious History