“Welcome”

New York, 2007
Borrowed Welcome Mats
Dimensions variable

Borrowing doormats from people in his building, and even from participating artists in this exhibition, the artist has created a gentle, poignant reminder of the function of these doormats. Instead of sitting—barely noticed—at the entrance to a home, in this space they become the carriers of meaning for the entire work of art. As a tool that is generally used to remove excess dirt from a person entering the home, the doormat has also become a decorative element that often also carries a message of greeting. As a metaphor for the entering of a country, this welcome mat installation underscores the need to address issues that prevent humans from being welcome everywhere.

—Rocío Aranda Alvarado (curator)