Adrian Pepe and his "Golden Fleece"

When a sheep or goat grazes on a field, its hair, fur or wool also accumulates in the surrounding landscape, often collecting seeds that are then scattered elsewhere, ensuring biodiversity. Humans, in turn, have manipulated these animal fibres as clothing and shelter. In his artistic practice Adrian Pepe works primarily with the wool of Awassi sheep, an ancient fat-tailed breed that has been raised in its native Mesopotamia and the Levant for over 5.000 years. A sheep that in the rites of the Abrahamic religions is slaughtered to celebrate births or honor guests and sacrificed on holy days and festivals, with the liver used for divination. In the Summer of 2024, Pepe wrapped the Villa des Palmes, a historic building severely damaged by the Beirut port explosion, in hand-felted wool. At NIKA, this monumental 200-square-meter fabric hangs in the front space, welcoming visitors as they enter to form the heart of the exhibition.