Carpet Object 2

Rahma S is a maker and designer based in Pakistan, where she draws on the region’s abundant material resources and rich craft heritage to explore experimental design rooted in local tradition. Despite South Asia’s long history of artisanal excellence, Rahma is acutely aware of the threats facing traditional crafts—economic precarity, lack of institutional support, and the accelerating pace of globalized capitalism—all of which have led to a loss of generational knowledge and innovation in the field.

Through her brand mattu, Rahma is committed to research-driven practice that investigates indigenous materials and techniques, aiming to produce original work designed and made entirely in Pakistan. For this exhibition, mattu presents ongoing work from two series, using three distinctive materials: mother of pearl (locally known as syp), burl wood veneer, and hand-woven carpet. Employing techniques such as inlay, brass embossing, minakari (a traditional method of painting on brass), and upcycling unfinished high-quality carpets (courtesy of Lahore Carpet), the pieces reflect a layered engagement with local craft and narrative.