I am ancient in my desire to make original art. I feel alone, but not lonely, in creating. Artists of Assyrian decent should inspire new thinking and create reverse assimilation via the creation of art. I offer the points below in support of new contemporary art created by Assyrians seeking global engagement.

1. We reject the direct replication of ancient art for the purposes of self-expression and creative output.
2. We reject closed-minded views that favor traditional European expressions of art and beauty over abstract art.
3. We reject banal art. If it doesn’t contribute to higher levels of practice, then you shouldn’t be looking at it.
4. We reject that we were and reaffirm that we are.
5. We accept that borrowing, integrating and respecting other worldly cultures only makes us stronger. Engage with art in its totality, not just with Assyrian art.
6. We accept the notion that nationalism in art is akin to the sun: get too close and you burn out; stay too far and you become cold.
7. We accept that art is a bridge that connects the Assyrians to the world and the world to the Assyrians.
8. We accept that wearing crazy and colorful socks makes us feel braver and more unpredictable, leading us to uncharted waters and in turn, greater success in life.
9. We seek beauty, simplicity and craftsmanship when making art. If we don’t have it, we invent it! We are deeply committed to originality.
10. We spread art to all four corners of the human experience: spiritual, physical, emotional and mental.

Art and immortality march together, arm in arm.

Signed:

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Rabel Betshmuel

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