World Cup Rugs 2.0
Client / year / role
SH / 2022 / design & concept developmentWorkers on the construction sites of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, originate from many countries. One of the most frequent nationalities is Nepali.
The booming economies of other Asian countries have influenced a large number of men to leave Nepal with the hope of improving the livelihood of themselves and their families. This has left a dwindling workforce to maintain traditional craftsmanship in the country. Rugs and processed fibers, which used to be Nepal’s biggest export, have now been surpassed by the export of cheap migrant labour.
World Cup Rugs is a collection of rugs produced in Kathmandu, Nepal bringing attention to the interwoven conflicts between the construction of facilities for the World Cup, the textile production of Nepal and the inhumane treatment of guest workers.
As a long lasting reminder, the rugs aim to encourage fans and involved parties to continue the critical debate post-World Cup and demand that future host nations improve the welfare of its guest workers.
NEVER FORGET (100X170 CM, 100% WOOL)
An oath to never forget the inhumane treatment of the workers during the build-up of the FIFA World Cup 2022. An oath to not repeat the injustice performed under the Qatari flag.
A BATTLEFIELD WHERE NO LIVES MUST BE LOST (165X240 CM, 100% WOOL)
During the past 10 years of construction in Qatar, at least 6500 workers have passed away in work-related deaths. Each life is embroidered onto the centre of the green football field, bringing the counting of the horrific number to the centre of attention.
DRAW THE LINE (135X220 CM, 100% WOOL)
The frequently used metaphor “it is time to draw the line” is materialised as a red line crossing the black and white stripes. Underlining the urgent need for action and the insistence on lasting changes for guest workers of future championships.
