French Illustrator Louis Barthélemy Collaborates with Afghan Women Weavers to Create Stunning Rugs
Louis Barthélemy, a French illustrator and designer known for his elegant and intricate work, has taken a unique turn in his latest project. Collaborating with women weavers in Afghanistan, Barthélemy has created a capsule collection of rugs that are not only visually stunning but also carry a deep cultural significance.
Commissioned by Ishkar, a London-based company that works with NGOs and artisans in conflict-affected areas, Barthélemy’s collection is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Afghan people. Despite the challenges posed by the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021, Barthélemy and the weavers were able to work together remotely to bring their vision to life.
The inspiration for the rugs came from the weavers themselves, who drew images of the 14th-century Bagh-e Babur (Babur’s Garden) in Kabul, a place that symbolizes beauty and tranquility to them. These drawings, along with one by Barthélemy, were transformed into intricate patterns for three different rugs, each hand-knotted from Ghazni Wool over a period of six months.
Describing the rugs as “a collective dream of an ancient paradise,” Barthélemy’s collection will be showcased in London at Sunbury Workshops and at the Ishkar flagship showroom. With prices starting at about $4,000, these rugs are not just pieces of art but also a symbol of hope and collaboration in a region often overshadowed by conflict.
Barthélemy’s work serves as a reminder of the power of art and creativity to transcend borders and bring people together, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
