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House of Ethiopian Iconography
Where Sacred Design Meets Living Faith
Konjo Arts is a design house dedicated to preserving, reimagining, and sharing the timeless beauty of Ethiopian iconography through contemporary design.
Founded by master Ethiopian iconographer K. Haile Maskel Samuels, Konjo Arts is built upon more than 25 years of artistic practice rooted in the rich spiritual traditions of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Every original artwork is created with deep theological understanding, craftsmanship, and reverence for one of the world's oldest Christian artistic traditions.
Our belief
Beauty has the power to open hearts.
Through colour, symbolism, and craftsmanship, we seek to create works that communicate the hope, love, and light of the Gospel in a way that is welcoming to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Our iconography is not created simply to decorate a space. It is created to inspire prayer, invite reflection, strengthen faith, and become part of everyday life.
Today, Konjo Arts extends this vision beyond traditional icon painting into fine art prints, contemporary textiles, apparel, homeware, and future collections celebrating sacred embroidery and handcrafted design—bringing Ethiopian Christian artistry into homes around the world while remaining faithful to its spiritual roots.
Every piece we create is designed to become something lasting:
a work of faith,
a work of beauty,
and a legacy to be passed from one generation to the next.
Whether displayed in a church, treasured in a family home, worn with purpose, or given as a meaningful gift, every Konjo Arts creation carries the same mission: to share the Gospel through beauty.
Vision
We envision a world where Ethiopian sacred art flourishes as a living tradition.
Where beauty inspires faith.
Where craftsmanship preserves heritage.
Where sacred art becomes part of everyday life.
Mission
To preserve Ethiopian iconography.
To share the Gospel through beauty.
To create timeless works of faith for homes, churches, and generations to come.
Sharing the Gospel through beauty.
The Founder
Preserving the konjo — the beauty — of sacred art in the modern world.
K. Haile Maskel Samuels is a British iconographer rooted in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity.
For more than two decades, Haile has devoted himself to painting archangels, saints, and biblical narratives.
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“Each icon emerges not merely as illustration, but as a sacred object shaped by prayer, theology, and devotion.”
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His process is meticulous and prayerful, inspired by established traditions governing form, gesture, colour, and composition.
Each work reflects the theological order and canonical disciplines of Ethiopian Christian iconography.
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Colour & Presence
Haile’s work is recognised for its radiant colour and dynamic visual energy.
Firmly rooted in Ethiopian iconographic tradition, his palette radiates warmth and luminosity.
Inspired by his Caribbean heritage, his icons display distinctive clarity, joy, and presence.
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Public & Sacred Spaces
His icons have been installed in prominent churches and exhibited in respected galleries.
He regularly shares his expertise through public talks and creative workshops, contributing to both educational and community programs.
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Living Tradition
Through his ongoing practice and through Konjo Arts, Haile continues to uphold Ethiopian sacred art as a living tradition.
This tradition speaks across cultures, generations, and contemporary life — inspiring reflection, dialogue, and spiritual connection in today’s world.
