Walking into La Mezquita feels like stepping into another world. The moment you enter, you’re surrounded by an endless forest of red-and-white striped arches — over 850 columns made from jasper, onyx, marble, and granite. The repeating patterns, the symmetry, the quiet coolness of the stone… it’s the kind of beauty that makes you stop in your tracks.
A Little History
La Mezquita (also known as the Great Mosque of Córdoba) was originally built in the 8th century when Córdoba was the heart of Islamic Spain. At the time, Córdoba was one of the most advanced, multicultural cities in Europe — a center of art, science, philosophy, and architecture.
Over the centuries, the mosque expanded several times as rulers added more halls, more arches, and more intricate details. Its iconic striped arches were inspired by Roman and Visigothic architecture, blending influences from many cultures into one harmonious space.
Then, in the 13th century, when Christian forces took control of Córdoba, the mosque was converted into a cathedral. Instead of tearing it down, they built a Renaissance-style cathedral nave right in the middle of the old mosque — creating the striking, almost surreal mix of architectural worlds that makes La Mezquita so unique today.
It’s one of the few buildings on earth where Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements coexist — not in conflict, but in conversation.
How the Print Came to Life
While exploring Córdoba, I took hundreds of photos of the repeating arches and geometric patterns that make La Mezquita so mesmerizing. When I returned to Los Angeles and sorted through the images, one stood out — the perfect mix of arches and ancient patterns.
I turned that photo into a film, burned the screen in my studio, and hand screen-printed the design using eco-friendly inks. Every print captures a tiny piece of that moment — the quiet stillness, the history underfoot, the way the arches seem to stretch on forever.
Why I Love This Print
The Spain print reminds me that beauty is often born where cultures meet. It’s a celebration of architecture, of history, of artistry passed down through centuries — and of that feeling when travel leaves you changed, even just a little.
If you’ve ever wandered through Spain, if you love global design, or if you’re drawn to meaningful art with a story behind it, this print carries all of that and more.