Kom El Shoqafa

Artist Statement:

The catacombs named Kom El Shoqafa (translated to "Mound of Shards" due to the pottery remnants found) located in Alexandria, Egypt, beautifully exemplifies the co-existence and celebration of two different cultures living harmoniously.

The beautiful relief carvings found at the site feature Egyptian deities stylized in a Hellenistic manner. Their intermingling honors both people and demonstrates their strong and celebrated relations that existed throughout history.

The serendipitous finding of this union of cultures while pondering the theme of “Serendipity” felt to be a fitting and inspiring motif for the exhibition. A beautiful reflection on the importance of embracing, befriending and respecting one another despite cultural and societal differences.

Explanation of hieroglyphics (read right to left):

Right side: Greek style: The hieroglyphics here are derived from Kom El Shoqafa with missing areas hypothesized, along with my own personal touches. The story begins with an iconic funerary scene with Horus bringing an offering of life (representing the soul’s rebirth?). Anubis to his left preserves the body and prepares the soul for its trip to the afterlife. Above, one finds Nut representing the sky.

Left side: Egyptian style: The continuation of the funerary scene features the soul being judged (it’s heavier than the feather) and therefore being fed to Amit (as it is not a pure soul). Pure souls appear lined up before Osiris, preparing for either the afterlife or rebirth.

The hieroglyph for time and eternity in the middle represent that this is an infinite cycle, destined to repeat always.

The unity expressed by the connection (represented through the two hands of the two Anubises almost touching) of these sides serves to signify the connection and friendship between the two cultures.