- By Marianne Sucre
Seife, a proud son of immigrant roots in Cuba and Syria, creates art deeply influenced by his Middle Eastern heritage. His work is a unique blend of ancient practices and modern techniques. He digitally designs compositions inspired by the rich traditions of Persian carpets and the intricate patterns found in mosques and Islamic art. Much like traditional weavers who associate patterns and colors with specific locations and communities, Seife’s designs are meticulously hand-painted onto concrete slabs or canvases, transforming them into vibrant works of art.
In his exhibition ‘Coming to Fruition, which will be in view in PAMM until January 2025,’ Seife offers viewers an experience of his creative process. The exhibition blurs the lines between the act of creation and the finished artwork, providing a unique glimpse into his artistic journey. This process-as-product approach is showcased through two triptychs that document the evolution of his paintings, from their initial stages with minimal paint on concrete to their final, intricately detailed forms. These triptychs and a finished painting on canvas are encased in labyrinthine wooden frames that seem to extend from the paintings and merge with the gallery walls. The frames, reminiscent of the ornate carvings found in mosques, were specifically crafted for this exhibition, enhancing the immersive experience.
The interplay between the wooden frames and the concrete walls evokes a sense of decay and resilience, reminiscent of beautifully painted buildings in both Cuba and Syria that have been reduced to their wood and concrete shells due to war or neglect. Through this site-specific installation, Seife creates a secular sanctuary where visitors can reflect on themes of human destruction, community-building, and complex identities.
Seife’s work has been widely recognized and exhibited internationally. He has held solo exhibitions at prestigious venues such as Tabari Artspace in Dubai, Museo Carlo Bilotti in Rome, Unit London, Sharjah Art Museum in the UAE, Montoro12 Gallery in Brussels, and The Outsiders in Newcastle, UK. His art has also been featured in numerous group exhibitions, including those at Unit London, Joshua Liner Gallery in New York, Leila Heller Gallery in Dubai, Bedford Art Center in California, Montoro12 Gallery, Hashimoto Contemporary in San Francisco, and Peveto Gallery in Houston.
Seife’s work is part of many notable public and private collections, including the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Mosaic Art Foundation in Istanbul, Goss-Michael Foundation in Dallas, Dean Collection in Los Angeles, Contemporary Art Platform in Kuwait, and Tribal Art Foundation in Raipur, India. Seife continues bridging the gap between his cultural heritage and contemporary art through his art, creating works that resonate globally.
Image courtesy of PAMM. Jason Seife in studio, 2023.
Photo by Lazaro Llanes.
Image courtesy of PAMM.Jason Seife. A Song in Three Parts: Side B (detail), 2022–23. Acrylic on hand-poured mortar, in three parts, and high-density urethane frame © Jason Seife
