Famed New York City performance artist, Kevin Carpet, has once again raised the bar on roiling the public’s sensibilities. He accomplishes this by lying underneath a rug and having people walk on him. Known for his unique approach to performance art, Carpet has been engaging in this “human carpet” routine since the 1980s, primarily in the city’s vibrant party scene.
On a sunny afternoon, Carpet basks proudly on the sidewalk. As humble metropolitan residents walk by, they dodge, straddle or leapfrog over him. This was the most provocative of performances, and it has elicited a firestorm of reactions from the public. Some find it entertaining, others call it “truly bizarre.” Taylor Pare, an observer of Carpet’s recent performance, expressed concern, stating, “It’s alarming. Someone could trip. If it’s a sexual desire or fetish it should be disclosed to all parties.”
For as unusual as his art may be, Carpet is quick to clarify that his performances are not motivated by sexual urges. In an interview with The Cut in 2022, he clarified, “This is not a fetish for me. I don’t get off on it.” Yet he has been in this job for decades. This extends to his relationship with high-fashion and cultural happenings, such as the one where Lady Gaga later fondly recalled seeing him in 2008 at a boisterous “sex party” complete with attendees.
Over the years, Kevin Carpet has become a notable figure in New York City’s nightlife, earning him the title of “NYC clubbing royalty.” His performances continue to divide audiences. Though a few might appreciate his conviction to invention, many others struggle to understand the move itself. One viewer remarked, “That’s Kevin Carpet!!! I used to go dance in Queens 10 years ago when he was in the scene. It’s amazing he’s still around.”
On the other hand, as one viewer put it, “not even weird in a cool way, just plain old weird,” capturing the bewilderment his shows often leave audiences with. Pare went even further in her condemnation of the act, calling Carpet a “tripping hazard,” while doubling down on her fears for safety during the showy performance.
As Carpet continues to spread his creations across the urban landscape, this energetic approach keeps him a vital presence in New York’s dynamic art scene. His performance not only breaks social norms but raises questions about limits in performance art.
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