NYICS 2016 | Preview
NYICS 2016 | Preview

NYICS 2016 | Preview

The New York International Carpet Show (NYICS) gets underway in New York City this 11-13 September 2016 and even before the show starts it’s as though – to quote Star Wars – there is a ‘great disturbance in the force.’ As the original autumn New York City rug and carpet show there has, in years past, been a certain caché to exhibiting and attending the show, which was in no small way, due to the disrupting nature of the show when it first broke from the then stranglehold of the Atlanta Markets in 2004. By adding an ‘Antiques Pavilion’ during this year’s show, the NYICS once again attempts – to quote Star Trek – to ‘boldly go’ into the great unknown by presenting antique and collectable carpets alongside new production. While this is not uncommon in showrooms, this is a novel approach worthy of note for what it may bring to the trade show environment and marketplace in general.

Sparing you any lengthier introduction, we now present a quick peek at some of the carpets and textiles we’re expecting to see during this year’s show. Enjoy… .

'Kaleidoscope' from Orley Shabahang | Image courtesy of Orley Shabahang.
‘Kaleidoscope’ from Orley Shabahang | Image courtesy of Orley Shabahang.

The carpets of Orley Shabahang are remarkably modern in styling with the attention to detail and quality one expects to find in Persian/Iranian made carpets given the oft promoted caché associated with that region’s production. They also serve as a vivid real world example of Iranian production adapting to the times as opposed to just dying out as the New York Times would have us believe. If you have time and wish to forgo the NYICS preview cocktail reception, Bahram Shabahang, in association with the venerable though somewhat dogmatic (aren’t we all?) Hajji Baba Club, is hosting an open to the public presentation at their gallery – 241 East 58th Street, New York – entitled ‘Creating New Carpets Using Ancient Techniques’ on Saturday, 10 September 2016 from 4:00pm until 6:00pm.

'Deconstructed Stripe' from Patterson Flynn Martin | Image courtesy of Patterson Flynn Martin.
‘Deconstructed Stripe’ from Patterson Flynn Martin | Image courtesy of Patterson Flynn Martin.

Whether deconstructed is just a clever marketing name, or a striped design was actually cut apart and reassembled is of little concern as this rug from Patterson Flynn Martin (PFM) is fun, lively, and aggressively graphic. The calm colouration shown above would be well suited in contrast to soft furnishings in an oceanside home, whereas a striking dark colouration could add dramatic flair to a pied à terre.

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'Charlotte Batik' from Odegard Carpets | Image courtesy of Odegard Carpets.
‘Charlotte Batik’ from Odegard Carpets | Image courtesy of Odegard Carpets.

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'Bamiyan' in colour 'Spring' by Nouveau Afghan | Image courtesy of Nouveau Afghan.
‘Bamiyan’ in colour ‘Spring’ by Nouveau Afghan | Image courtesy of Nouveau Afghan.

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Global traditional influences from disparate regions are reflected in the two (2) carpets shown above from Odegard and Nouveau Afghan respectively. Both companies – in their own ways –  are enjoying a renaissance of sorts. Odegard by way of its partnership with Kooches thus broadening its distinctive carpet offerings and production capabilities, and Nouveau Afghan by taking advantage of the re-emergence of relatively stable production out of Afghanistan.

'Artwork 24' by Jan Kath | Image courtesy of Jan Kath.
‘Artwork 24’ by Jan Kath | Image courtesy of Jan Kath.

Jan Kath‘s Artwork Collection brings a glimpse of the painterly into carpet design by layering colour if you will, as though it has been applied and scraped away with a palette knife. Wildly coloured with overall abstract patterning reminiscent of the work of Gerhard Richter, the Artwork carpets can also be layered, along with other designs in the firm’s repertoire, to create unique one-of-a-kind bespoke carpets which objectify the notion of couture carpet production. Jan Kath by Kyle and Kath – the award winning firm’s New York Showroom – is hosting a daily ‘Family Affair‘ reception at their Chelsea showroom just a short three (3) minute walk from the NYICS at 555 West 25th Street, New York.

Peking shown in colour Indigo part of Amy Helfand's 'Be Good Do Good' Collection - wool and silk handknotted in Nepal. | Image courtesy of Amy Helfand.
Peking shown in colour Indigo part of Amy Helfand’s ‘Be Good Do Good’ Collection – wool and silk handknotted in Nepal. | Image courtesy of Amy Helfand.

As an artist, Amy Helfand’s oeuvre exudes a love of sculpture and juxtaposed composition. This is reflected in her carpet design which is often based on graphics derived from photography of sculptural work. Intended to bring emboldening presence to the floor, her carpets are graphically dominant well suited to those who appreciate the joie de vivre a collection of beautiful, yet distinct, objects can bring. This is Amy Helfand‘s first rug show as she expands fully into the world of rugs, having spent the last decade catering to the New York arts and design community.

'Soleil Couchant en Foret' (Sunset in the Forest) by Paul Poiret. Circa 1930. From David Sorgato. | Image courtesy of David Sorgato.
‘Soleil Couchant en Foret’ (Sunset in the Forest) by Paul Poiret. Circa 1930. From David Sorgato. | Image courtesy of David Sorgato.

This year’s inclusion of an ‘Antique Pavilion’ at the NYICS marks an interesting shift in the presentation of modern carpet production. Though contemporary producers have long glorified the inspiration of the past, it is rare to see collectable and new production shown relatively side by side. The antique marketplace is vastly different than new production and we (I speak royally of myself, but also – if I may – on behalf of the entire industry) are looking quite forward to what this development will bring. Furthermore, since antique carpets are routinely grouped along with antique textiles of all manner we look forward to seeing such inspirational works as the energetically coloured tapestry – shown above – presented by David Sorgato.

Chinese with lotus flowers. Silk and metal thread circa 1940. From Alberto Levi Gallery | Image courtesy of Alberto Levi Gallery.
Chinese with lotus flowers. Silk and metal thread circa 1940. From Alberto Levi Gallery | Image courtesy of Alberto Levi Gallery.

This is of course not to say that collectable carpets won’t be presented as that is far from the case. Exemplary carpets which illustrate the vast possibilities of the weaving arts, such as the above shown silk and metallic thread Chinese carpet from Alberto Levi, are sure to be highlights of the show.

The Ruggist looks forward to seeing great carpets and more during the New York International Carpet Show and during The Rug Show happening concurrently. The Ruggist will also present ‘Knot What You Think: An Introduction to Carpets‘ – a public tour of the NYICS on Tuesday, 13 September 2016 at 10:00am. See you at the show(s).