Islamic art is illuminated when antiquity meets avant-garde Greek jewelry designer Elena Syraka in her latest exhibition, “Nour,” meaning light in Arabic. Following successful tours in Athens, Cairo and Alexandria, the “Nour” exhibition is the first retrospective of Syraka’s work in North America launching in New York on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at the Hellenis jewelry store at the Onassis Cultural Center, 645 Fifth Avenue.
In her 45-piece collection, Syraka’s “Nour” will expose her finest handmade pieces, which were inspired by Islamic art and after studying the genre for six months at the Benaki Museum in Athens. A nod to the evolution of Islamic civilization up to the 19th century, Syraka mimics its rich history through her remarkable designs and craftsmanship blending influences of the traditional East with the contemporary West.
As an emerging designer acclaimed for her cultural diversity in museum quality designs, aesthetics, and one-of-a-kind creations, Athens-born Syraka is already aiming high toward the ranks of chartered, transcendent jewelers of this century. Her designs reflect a sense of aristocracy paired with timeless minimalism. With her intricate use of precious stones, 18-carat gold and diamonds combined with her bold and fearless styles, Syraka takes the bearer on a magical journey of the past while igniting a light into the future.
The objects of resource for Syraka’s elegant, artistic creations stem from the geometric forms of various Islamic armory and weaponry such as helmets, knives and swords balanced with the delicate forms of ceramics, mythical creatures and plant motifs imprinted on silk. Inscriptions are also found in some of her work using calligraphy, which is another distinctive feature of Islamic art. All of Syraka’s pieces including pendants, rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets embrace the composition, color and century of various Islamic nations. Three pieces from “Nour” serves as an example: the “Star-Crossed” pendant and rings influenced by the star-shaped and cruciform ceramic tiles found in 12th century Kashan, Iran; “Helmet” pendant and earrings draped like a 16th century Turkish military helmet; and “Sun Lion” earrings mirroring the 13th century Dirhaim coin said to represent the astrological sign Leo of Kaikhusraw II, Sultanate of Konya.
The one-week “Nour” exhibition will hold its opening event from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25th, and the collection will remain on display at Hellenis Jewelry store through March 28th.
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