Nucleus by Jason Seife

As part of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival 'Nucleus' is on view at the Sharjah Art Museum

Jason Seife / Â© Islamic Arts Magazine

Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, the Cultural Affairs Department at the Sharjah Department of Culture has organized the 21st edition of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival (SIAF). The exhibition officially opened at the Sharjah Art Museum in the presence of Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Mohammed Al Qaseer, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Farah Qassim Mohammed, Islamic Arts Festival Executive and the respected guests.

The exhibition has two parts, one is the surrounding wall, made of delicate drawings and in the center of the room there is a canvas painting of an old Persian carpet, suspended from the ceiling above a mirrored platform. The artist's vision is that a visitor should step on the mirror and see himself/herself immersing into the reflection of the Persian carpet titled 'Firdaus'. It is an interesting feeling, almost like floating above the carpet.

The time Seife spent as a child in the Middle East left a big mark on him. He is drawn to the colourful design of Persian carpets, endless shapes and intriguing geometry that starts in the middle and is grounded by the frame. Seife recreates these design by tediously painting them on canvas in colours that were used in their origin. The process for him is as creative as much as it is therapeutic and spiritual.

Jason Seife presenting his work to Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah / Â© Islamic Arts Magazine