Stone & Candle

Cultural heritage often finds refuge in spiritual monuments. As war and time erode wall and spirit, these places become sanctuaries preserving the historical, social, artistic, and spiritual character of a people.

Armenian Monasteries were more than places of worship. Over the centuries, they evolved into beacons of knowledge and enlightenment. Monks transformed into scholars, delving into philosophy, science, art, history, and music, turning many of these sites into esteemed centers of learning. Within their sacred confines, intellectual pursuits thrived beside the spiritual.

Stone represents more than the physical material from which these structures were hewn. Intertwined with the language and culture, we see it as a pillar of Armenian identity, as if we ourselves are part of the stone and surrounding mountains. 

Candles within these ancient structures pay homage to those who came before. Even in secluded ruins, one will find thoughtfully placed candles, sheltered from the wind. This practice of lighting a candle as a gesture of reverence has persevered through the ages, tracing its roots to the era of Paganism.

Stone is imbued with wax in its pores. Together they form a visual testament to the endurance of our ancestors and our bond to the past.

This project was photographed over a five-year period, with most of the work done in February of 2019 and February of 2020. It covers sixty-five monastic structures, distributed over the whole of the country, and several in the disputed territory of Artsakh between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with the majority dating from the 4th century to 13th century.

It resulted in the book “Stone & Candle. Armenian Monasteries”, published by Kehrer Verlag in February of 2023.