The visual effects are intriguing, but the glorification of destruction is disturbing

The other day, while looking at a high end life style magazine, I came across an advertisement with the words “erased heritage” printed across what looked to be a destroyed Persian carpet. I thought it might be an advertisement for a museum exhibit on the destruction of cultural heritage. Looking at the small print, I saw that it was an advertisement for Jan Kath’s “Erased Heritage” carpet collection . These hand knotted carpets made from the finest silk and dyes feature traditional Persian designs but incorporate visual effects resembling stomped texture, scribbled scratches, fading, bleeding colors, and fungal infestation which make them look like ruins of formerly glorious selves. I find the process of creating such visual effects intriguing, but the glorification of destruction disturbing.