Magic Carpet (Paperback)

Magic Carpet showcases the possibilities present during cultural transformation and embodies a quote by Anthony Appiah that states: “Societies without change aren't authentic; they're just dead.” The exhibition (Magic Carpet) in this catalogue consists of three video projections and three site-specific transient spice rug installations that can also be viewed as one whole installation. The body of work in general deals with the relationship (the push and pull) between the outer world (of economic aspirations) and the inner world (of faith convictions) as manifested through cultures. Du Plooy collected, categorized and explored (by seeing, touching, tasting, smelling) various spices.

Amanda du Plooy, born in South Africa and currently resident of Oman, realized from an early age that travel, cultures, food and creativity will always make up the vocabulary of her love language. In 1998 she travelled to Europe - it was to be the first of many adventures around the globe. One highlight was her visit to Cairo 1996. She went in search of the pyramids but what she found was the spectacular cacophony of spices, patterns and colors that is the Middle East. This marked the beginning of a long term love affair with the Arab world. She explored Morocco, Turkey, Bahrain, Jordan, The United Arab Emirates, Syria and Lebanon. From 2002 - 2010 she was based with her family in Yemen, where the Queen of Sheba once ruled her mighty and wealthy kingdom. Sadly most of these countries today, are marred by war and poverty. She also studied the history of the various spices used in the artworks as well as the mark it has made on the world we live in today. The use of spices highlights Du Plooy's conviction that humanity's evolutionary drive to find greener pastures has made trade, colonization and migration predetermined factors and therefore cross pollination of cultures is consequently unavoidable.