Collection launch for 13BC

text: Philippe Ghabayen for Plastik Studios

Monomyth
Monomyth is a common template in literature that involves a protagonist who goes on an adventure, venturing from the mundane to the supernatural: fabulous forces are encountered and a decisive victory is won. The hero comes back from this mythical journey with newfound power, having discovered the wonders of the World, the Self, Love, and Destiny. 13 meticulously crafted enamel bags take us on a literary journey of a multifaceted, iconic woman.

I- Club Fever
The club was beating with electronic sounds. The robotic repetition got me entranced: It was like a reality check. Clubs or Spades? I felt like I was gambling with my heart, as he looked at me and I returned the gaze. I never felt this confident.

II- The Postcard
I had to tell him I loved him before leaving. It wasn’t a breakup, it was a breakthrough, or at least that’s what the Tarot card that keeps showing up in my readings said – It confirmed to me that it was time for yet another adventure.

III-Celestial
I looked up at the sky for signs. The sun and the moon were in constant interplay with other planets and other dimensions. “Give me clarity”, I whispered to the universe. My trip was about to begin.

IV- Kaleidoscope
I could feel my mind expand, and grow with inspiration. I plunged into the phantasmagoria happening in my brain, between my right and left hemispheres, my yin and yang - I was tapping into ancestral knowledge.

V- Wilderness
Teleported into the jungle, I felt so connected to the trees, the river, the animals and each and every leaf. The world is like an intricate tapestry of wonders, a lesson in each - lessons I was yearning to learn.

VI- Spellbound
Deep into the bushes appeared a beautiful Wild cat. I was smitten by her eyes, “follow me”- she purred. We held each other’s gaze, and I understood she was my spirit guide. We were communicating through telepathy, of things unheard of.

VII- Big Bang
The Cat roared, and it felt like my own voice was causing an eruption. All the leaves shook, the animals hid, and the dragonflies disappeared. I am a product of the Earth.

VIII- Surreal
As my sight adjusted back to the forest - going from pixels to clarity - I was dazed by the beauty of the Matisse-like foliage. The cat whispered, “you’re ready”.

IX- Sea Inside
A dive deep into the blue generously revived me. Salt bathing cleanses the soul. I was born again, through the earth’s amniotic fluid: The Ocean.

X- Back to her
Nudity reminded me of my power, the creation of which I was capable. Of my voluptuous assets, desire to wander and rebel aimlessly. He wasn’t inside me, but the answers all were.

XI- Mother
Much like me, the fruit-bearing trees held the power to create. A fruit and a womb: the comparison hit me like an epiphany. I share so much of my DNA with this green wonder: Life and I are one.

XII- Shelter
An aerial view of the city gave me perspective. I was back home to a different kind of jungle, where concrete has a soul. I felt protected and impervious, as strong as a skyscraper.

XIII- Nirvana
“I love you”, “Come back to me”; I am made of contradictions. Somewhere between my root and my crown Chakra: Enlightened yet greedy for what’s next - In love, yet forever free.