There’s something quite strange about strolling down the street and realizing the path beneath you seems to be, well, breathing.
In New York—a city where the unusual has become mundane—a street performer known as “Kevin Carpet” has people pausing to take notice.
His art? Not exactly clear. His medium? Carpet.
Picture this: he’s decked out in carpet, lying immobile in a public space, inviting passersby to walk over him.
Some view it as art, others see it as a prank, while some find it just plain unsettling.
Kevin isn’t new to this—a self-described “human carpet,” he’s been at it since the 1980s. Yet, his recent display sparked a revived debate in NYC: Is Kevin’s carpet just a quirky oddity?
Clips shared on social media have racked up over 3.5 million views, with a good number branding his performance as “perverted” or “disturbing.”
In these clips, you can see Kevin sprawled on the ground in broad daylight, with a pedestrian casually stepping over him, along with him exclaiming “OW” as he’s walked on.
Taylor Pare, the local who filmed the clip, mentions Kevin is usually found in lively party environments and has been performing this act for years.
“What concerns me is that people don’t even realize he’s there, so there’s no real consent,” she stated in her TikTok video.
She adds, “It’s impressive. If it’s a sexual interest or a kink, everyone involved should be aware.”
In the video, she can be heard advising a couple of hesitant onlookers, warning them, “There’s someone down there.”
One man wonders, “Is this art?” to which she responds, “No, they just prefer being on the carpet without informing anyone.”
Audience reactions are mixed, and even as Kevin is termed “NYC Club Royalty,” opinions vary widely.
“It’s Kevin Carpet!!! I remember dancing in Queens when he used to perform ten years back. He’s still got it,” said one supportive viewer.
Yet another person remarked simply, “It’s just Kevin Carpet.”
A few defended Kevin passionately, while others were less amused by the whole scenario.
“This isn’t amusing. It feels really bizarre,” commented one concerned viewer. “I’m so fed up with perverted behavior,” lamented another.
In a 2022 interview, Kevin stated confidently that his art is not rooted in any sexual fetish.
“It’s not a fetish for me. I don’t get off on it. It’s more about finding a Zen state. I feel people and listen to their conversations. I get to see everyone having a good time,” he explained.
Back in 2008, Lady Gaga even remarked about “sex parties,” mentioning how many people would be wandering around, inebriated, enjoying themselves, with the “man wrapped in carpet under the bar.”
