The Abulafia Series began with my profound fascination in the Mudejar Style, an artistic and architectural tradition that captured my attention during an art history course on Medieval Iberia. Rooted in the complex interplay of cultures under Christian rule in recently reconquered territories from Islamic Iberia, Mudejar art and architecture grapples with the compelling question of how diverse religions can coexist within shared societies. As a designer of Jewish Moroccan heritage, I found immense inspiration in exploring these styles and delving into their historical narratives.
One of the pivotal influences shaping this series was the Samuel Halevi Abulafia Synagogue in Toledo, Spain—a testament to the intersection of faith, wealth, and artistic prowess. Abulafia, a prominent Jew in the court of Catholic King Pedro I of Castille, constructed a synagogue within his residence, mirroring the opulence of contemporary palaces. Crafted by artisans who had also contributed to the Alhambra, the sanctuary featured intricate carvings reminiscent of Islamic aesthetics, as well as multilingual inscriptions—including praise for both King Pedro I and Abulafia himself.
My aim was to include these elements of the synagogue that drew my interest. Visually, the design is meant to create balance between a rich fullness of intricate detail, with a striking emptiness—just as the covered walls of the synagogue form the resounding quietness of the cavernous room. The pieces are filled with thoughtful patterns and inscriptions (one inscription is the same text from Song of Songs that Abulafia inscribed above the spot where a lectern would have stood). As a tribute to Samuel Halevi Abulafia, I aimed to make an object that is regal without pretense. This piece disregards questions of who’s spaces are deserving of elaborate designs and furnishings, choosing instead to embrace aesthetics that speak both of elegance and cultural acceptance.
Abulafia Lectern
walnut, maple, maple veneer, brass2021
Abulafia Cabinet
walnut, maple, cast bronze, milk paint, fabric dye, white Osmo2022