Curated by Anthony Alvarez and Dahlia Elsayed

Prayer rugs hold deep cultural significance and serve as mediums for contemplation. Adorned with symbols of hope and faith, they inspire resilience and remind us of light in times of darkness. These spaces, often woven with stories of struggle and perseverance, illustrate how beauty can emerge from adversity. Beyond functionality, prayer rugs are cultural artifacts and weave together stories of identity, tradition, and spirituality. By understanding their importance, one gains an appreciation for diverse cultural practices. As powerful aesthetic forms, prayer rugs invite reflection on our spiritual journeys and the strength drawn from one’s roots and rituals, celebrating the resilience and beauty they hold.

This installation showcases the work of Rutgers-Newark’s students enrolled in the fall 2024 class, “Problems in Contemporary Art,” led by Anthony Alvarez. Collaborating with artist Dahlia Elsayed, SHINE Portrait Studio Artist-in-Residence, the course investigated Elsayed’s artistic practice and developed critical insights that informed the creation of new rugs. Through readings, research, and hands-on making over six weeks, students explored how their expressions intersected with Elsayed’s art practice. Together, Alvarez and Elsayed encouraged students to consider the prayer rug as a medium for contemplation, hope, and resilience, inspiring them to envision aesthetic futures that challenge fear and despair.

The “Problems in Contemporary Art” class was taught by Anthony Alvarez, Coordinator of Express Newark’s Free School, Associate Director, SHINE Portrait Studio, and Lecturer of Fine Arts, Department of Arts, Culture and Media, with Artist-in-Residence, Dahlia Elsayed. 

Exhibiting Artists: Christeen Abdelshahied, Carmelle Alexis, Caylie Baker, Brit Derilus, Victor Elizondo-Martinez, Bryan Euvin, Amber Evans, Daniel Flores, David Gonzalez, Jazmyne Johnson, Vylette Mcknight, Aasiyah Rogers, Sonam Salvi, and Imani Southerland