𝔞𝔭𝔬𝔠𝔞𝔩𝔶𝔭𝔰𝔢
ℭ𝔬𝔫𝔮𝔲𝔢𝔰𝔱
Conquest marks the beginning of the apocalypse. Inspired by the first Horseman, this painting questions America's relationship with power and asks whether the nation that was built through conquest is now helping create the conditions for its own downfall. The horse is pierced by three arrows, showing that the pursuit of power leaves lasting wounds but its also a reference to the original conquest is known for carrying a bow.
Along the top of the painting are images inspired by the ancient Assyrian lion hunts. As someone who is Assyrian, I wanted to include imagery from my own history and the comparison of empires, past and present. Black swallows represent everyday people caught in conflicts they did not create. The destroyed nest with eggs symbolizes families that are never given the chance to begin or survive because of violent political decisions. A crowned skull reminds us that every empire eventually falls, no matter how powerful it becomes.
This painting presents it as the first step toward the apocalypse. It asks whether America's pursuit of power is leading to its own downfall.
𝔚𝔞𝔯
War is the second Horseman of the Apocalypse. If Conquest marks the beginning of the end, War shows what follows. A fighter jet flies behind the horse, launching missiles across the sky and replacing the traditional image of war with one defined by modern technology and global conflict.
Set within a wheat field, the painting places symbols of life against scenes of destruction. Wheat represents survival and the resources people depend on, while war threatens to destroy them and everything in its path. A sword lies beneath the horse, connecting the Horseman's traditional weapon in the original story.
𝔉𝔞𝔪𝔦𝔫𝔢
Famine is the third Horseman of the Apocalypse. The black horse rests beneath a crescent moon, quietly watching humanity. I have always imagined famine as something that waits, knowing people will eventually create the conditions for it.
Below is imagery inspired by medieval manuscripts showing souls being weighed. Those judged unworthy are eaten by monsters and demons. I use these scenes to show how humanity reacts when resources become scarce.
To me, famine is the result of human choices. This painting asks viewers to think about how war, greed, and power create desperation, and ordinary people are the ones forced to live through it.
𝔇𝔢𝔞𝔱𝔥
Death is the final Horseman of the Apocalypse. A young girl stands before the horse holding a cross, searching for comfort in her faith. She is part of a sinful world and mourns the fact that faith alone can not save her from what is to come.
Inside the transparent horse sits a demon at the entrance of Hell, inspired by the biblical story, where Death rides the pale horse, and Hades follows close behind. I also drew inspiration from ancient stories of Hades guiding souls into the underworld, bringing together different traditions that explore death and the afterlife. As a reminder for every piece in this series, the black swallows represent everyday people.
INQUIRY
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2122 Mono St
Fresno, CA 93721