Exploring Modernity: Esther Elia’s Captivating Portrayal of ‘Diasporic Deities’ in Assyria

Artistic Reverberations of Assyrian Heritage in Esther Elia’s New Exhibition

Esther Elia, a talented artist with Assyrian and Irish roots based in Albuquerque, presents a compelling exploration of contemporary Assyrian culture through her work. Her solo exhibition, Bazaar Ashuraya, currently on display at Hecho a Mano, features an array of vibrant acrylic paintings, tile mosaics, and functional art pieces that reflect her rich cultural narrative.

Exploring Themes of Home and Identity

The exhibition focuses on the concept of home, represented through various elements such as lamps, garments, and paintings that evoke traditional rugs and tapestries. Elia’s pieces like “Sharrat Wearing Adidas” and “Esther and Zahra Wearing Farm Rio” weave a playful narrative that juxtaposes contemporary fashion with folk design, celebrating the fusion of her heritage with modernity.

Voices of Culture Through Art

In her own words, Elia asserts, “The home is where Assyria lives and breathes.” This sentiment underscores her belief that the home is a sanctuary of language and cultural practices, where Assyrian customs and cuisine flourish. As members of the diaspora navigate their identities, Elia’s work reflects the blend of traditional and contemporary influences found in clothing, furnishings, and daily life.

“The home is where our language is spoken. Even if we speak English or Arabic or Farsi or French or Swedish outside of the home, the home is where Assyrian food is made, where Assyrian customs thrive, and where culture is maintained as well as created—pushed forward. As we mix with diaspora, our clothes, furnishings, and habits reflect the mixing with these new places.”

Innovative Sculptures: A Modern Take on Ancient Symbols

Elia’s three-dimensional sculptures, reaching nearly life-size, incorporate traditional Mexican tiles affixed to cement bases with wheels for mobility. Termed “diasporic deities,” these creations utilize readily sourced materials from the Southwest, designed to adapt to various environments while highlighting cultural continuity and transformation.

Exhibition Details

Bazaar Ashuraya will be available for viewing from November 6 to 29 in Santa Fe. In addition to her exhibition, Esther Elia has recently been announced as a 2027 resident of the John Michael Kohler Art Center, participating in Kohler Co.’s Arts/Industry program. For further insights into her work, visit her Instagram.