Lizamore & Associates | Underfoot by Karla Nixon

More Than Walls and Roof: The Transformative Power of Carpets

This exhibition explores the concept of ‘home’ as more than a physical space, but a place steeped in comfort, emotion, and personal experience. Artist Karla Nixon uses carpets and rugs as central symbols, highlighting their ability to transform a cold box into a sanctuary.

Beyond practicality, carpets hold rich histories and cultural significance. From early animal pelts to contemporary designs, they've become art objects and expressions of personal taste, signifying warmth, wealth, and lived experiences.

Nixon's work delves into this symbolism, using hand cut paper to represent carpets imbued with memories. Each ‘rug’ tells a story – faded from sunlight, bearing stains and marks, reflecting the lives played out upon it. These blemishes become narratives, whispering of laughter, spills, or quiet moments.

About the Artist:

Karla Nixon (b.1990) grew up on a sugarcane estate in Swaziland before moving to Durban, South Africa. She works primarily with paper, creating intricate sculptures and images inspired by her surroundings. In recent years, her focus has shifted to exploring themes of color, texture, textiles, and landscapes.

Nixon holds a Master’s degree in Fine Art from Durban University of Technology and has participated in group exhibitions across South Africa. This marks her first solo exhibition with Lizamore & Associates.