"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
2 Sep 2026
India is arriving in Venice with something extraordinary: a monumental carpet woven by Indian artisans and designed by celebrated British artist Es Devlin.
For the second time, Jaipur Rugs has been selected to participate in Homo Faber, the prestigious international exhibition celebrating exceptional craftsmanship. The fourth edition takes place at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini on Venice’s island of San Giorgio Maggiore from September 1 to 30, 2026.
At the heart of Jaipur Rugs’ presentation is “Rainbow of Forms”, commissioned by the Michelangelo Foundation and designed by Es Devlin. Created by artisans across India, the carpet brings together traditional skill and contemporary design on a monumental scale.
The journey of the carpet is almost as compelling as the finished work. The completed piece was first brought together on the roof of Jaipur Rugs’ finishing centre near Jaipur, where the artisans who helped create it could finally experience the entire work as one.
From the hands of Indian craftspeople to the halls of Venice, the carpet celebrates something often hidden behind a finished masterpiece—the people, patience and processes that make it possible.
Organised by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship, Homo Faber is not a conventional trade fair. It is an immersive celebration of exceptional craftsmanship, placing equal importance on the maker, material and making process.
This year, 29 Indian makers are participating, making it the country’s most substantial showing at the biennial so far. The participation is supported by JSW Foundation, which collaborated with the Michelangelo Foundation.
The Indian showcase spans an astonishing range of traditions. There are brass creations by Vikram Goyal, glasswork by Klove Studio crafted by Ambala’s skilled glassblowers, embroidery representing hundreds of Indian traditions by the Chanakya School of Craft, and intricate paper, textile, wood, pottery and weaving traditions from across the country.
Visitors can also witness traditional craftsmanship come alive. Bidri artisan Mohammed Abdul Bari will demonstrate silver inlay techniques, while Kanday Anjanappa, a seventh-generation Tholu Bommalata leather shadow-puppet artist, will showcase his craft.
Together, these makers offer Venice more than beautiful objects. They offer a glimpse into the living soul of Indian craftsmanship.