# Esther Elia Reimagines Assyrian Identity Through Contemporary Diasporic Deities Artist Esther Elia blends ancient Mesopotamian motifs with modern fashion in new exhibition. - **Source:** [Colossal](https://www.thisiscolossal.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-03 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b65c4bac-2afa-4f2d-a836-2d41928a62af ## Ancient Motifs Meet Modernity Esther Elia reinterprets the traditional lamassu, an ancient Mesopotamian winged deity, within a contemporary context. Her latest exhibition, Bazaar Ashuraya, moves beyond historical relics to explore the lived experience of the Assyrian diaspora. By integrating modern fashion and daily household objects, she bridges the gap between ancient heritage and current cultural realities. ## Fashion as Cultural Expression In works like Sharrat Wearing Adidas and Esther and Zahra Wearing Farm Rio, Elia juxtaposes traditional folk designs with contemporary clothing brands. These acrylic paintings highlight how cultural identity is maintained and evolved through personal style. The artist emphasizes that the home serves as a primary site for preserving and creating Assyrian customs. ## Defining Diasporic Deities Elia creates nearly life-size sculptures using Mexican tiles, cement board, and plywood, which she terms diasporic deities. These figures are mounted on wheels to ensure mobility, reflecting the adaptable nature of displaced cultures. By utilizing materials sourced locally in the American Southwest, she grounds her ancestral heritage within her current physical environment. ## The Home as Sanctuary For Elia, the home is the central space where language, food, and traditions thrive despite external influences. She argues that even when individuals speak English, Arabic, or Swedish outside, the domestic sphere remains the core of cultural maintenance. Her art portrays this internal world through vibrant patterns, textiles, and functional household objects. ## Exhibition Details and Logistics The Bazaar Ashuraya exhibition is currently hosted at Hecho a Mano in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The collection features a diverse range of media, including acrylic paintings, tile mosaics, and functional art pieces. Visitors can view these works from November 6 through November 29 to experience Elia's unique vision of modern Assyrian life. ## Future Artistic Trajectory Beyond her current exhibition, Elia continues to gain recognition for her innovative approach to cultural storytelling. She has been selected as a 2027 resident for the John Michael Kohler Art Center and the Kohler Co. Arts/Industry program. This residency will likely provide further opportunities to expand her exploration of identity and material culture. ## Materiality and Cultural Hybridity The use of Mexican tiles in her sculptures serves as a deliberate choice to reflect the mixing of cultures within the diaspora. By combining these materials with traditional Assyrian imagery, Elia creates a visual dialogue between her heritage and her surroundings. This hybridity illustrates the fluid and evolving nature of contemporary cultural identity. ## Significance of Diasporic Art Elia’s work highlights the importance of independent artistic voices in documenting the complexities of the modern diaspora. By pushing cultural narratives forward rather than keeping them static, she ensures that heritage remains a living, breathing entity. Her practice demonstrates how art can successfully navigate the intersection of historical legacy and contemporary global life. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2026/11/esther-elia-assyrian-culture-tile-sculptures-paintings/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._