The Crosses of Rabban Hormizd Monastery
The Crosses of Rabban Hormizd Monastery is series of work that serves as an exercise in restoration through the transformative power of design, allowing us to rediscover the essence of what once existed and present it in a renewed context. The collection of crosses found within the Church of Mar Hormizd in the Rabban Hormizd Monastery demonstrate the profound influence of Assyrian design. Inspiration is drawn from iconic motifs such as the Assyrian rosette, lily flower (fleur-de-lis) and crenellations of the Nineveh gate. These motifs seems establish a visual bridge between ancient Assyria and the Assyrian Church of the East.
The crosses have redrawn digitally and slightly edited for consistency, embody the spirit of preservation while embracing modernity. They are emblematic of a deep understanding that historical artifacts hold a unique charm and timeless significance that can be preserved, celebrated, and reimagined for new generations. Design is used a vehicle to transcend aesthetics to become a bridge for remembrance and restoration. The crosses are gold and featured on three unique colorways, each significant to the Assyrian Church of the East.
By reimagining the context in which these crosses are presented, I invite viewers to reflect on the interplay between tradition and modernity, reminding us that the beauty of the past need not be confined to antiquity but can find a vibrant place in our ever-evolving world.
Digital, printed on paper