Rudolf Stingel's carpet installations are central to his exploration of space, texture, and the participatory experience of art. These installations have become signature elements of Stingel's work, transforming gallery and museum spaces into immersive environments that challenge traditional notions of painting and sculpture. By covering floors and sometimes walls with carpets, Stingel invites viewers to reconsider the space they inhabit and their interaction with art.

One of Stingel's notable exhibitions was at the Whitney Museum of American Art, where he utilized materials such as rubber, carpet, and painted aluminum to question and disrupt traditional experiences of art objects. This approach reflects upon fundamental aspects of painting, including authenticity, hierarchy, meaning, and context, highlighting his innovative use of materials and space​ (Whitney Museum of American Art)​.

At the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin and Palazzo Grassi, Stingel created environments that were both enveloping and contemplative. In Berlin, he presented a wall-to-wall black-and-white carpet printed with an image of an Agra rug, complemented by hyperrealistic paintings of the Alps and a large crystal chandelier, creating a dialogue between the grandeur of nature and the crafted interior space. Similarly, at Palazzo Grassi, Stingel covered the floors and walls with a carpet that featured the pattern of an older Oriental rug, against which he placed both abstract and photorealistic paintings, further blurring the lines between the artwork and its environment​ (Gagosian)​.

These installations are not only about altering physical spaces but also about inviting reflection on the act of viewing art itself. By making the space part of the artwork, Stingel turns passive viewers into active participants. The carpets, often featuring intricate designs, serve as both the medium and the subject of his art, emphasizing the textural and material qualities of the artworks.

Furthermore, Stingel’s engagement with monochromatic and textured surfaces, as seen in his carpet installations, resonates with his broader artistic concerns. It's about memory, perception, and the passage of time, themes that are recurrent throughout his oeuvre. His work in the carpet series is a testament to his ability to expand the vocabulary of painting and to redefine the relationship between artwork, space, and viewer​ (Wikipedia)​.

Stingel's installations have earned him a prominent place in contemporary art discussions, showcased by his participation in major exhibitions and biennales, and recognition from art critics and the broader public alike. His innovative use of materials and exploration of the viewer's role in art continues to influence the field and inspire a reevaluation of the boundaries of painting and installation art.