Carpet Currency

Carpet Currency #1/21 Carpet and seashells (cowrie) 130 x 120 cm
Installation view, Abandoned Gold (Solo Exhibition). Mashrabia Gallery of Contemporary Art, Cairo, 2026.

In this work Carpet currency introduces a new value system for shells based on scarcity and uniqueness by resetting the structure of shells in a new form, like new, complicated mathematical equations and connections. Each carpet features a unique pattern, creating value from a seamless interconnection that is difficult to replicate in each carpet.

The project draws direct parallels between shell money and blockchain technology, utilizing the exact same underlying theory of value.

The total number of carpets would be produced using the same static pattern is limited to 21 unique pieces.

Currently on view at Mashrabia Gallery for Contemporary Art, Downtown Cairo, through 25 May.
Currently on view at Mashrabia Gallery for Contemporary Art, Downtown Cairo, through 25 May.