I of the Spiral can be understood conceptually through the lens of magic and compositionally through the shape of a spiral. The landscapes and figures represented in this design reflect a tendency toward belief in the supernatural, or the metaphysical, as well as the sometimes chaotic interdependency of forms that exist in this world. A world which is imaginary, but inspired by real life nonetheless. This work also reflects an attempt to map that which appears to be chaotic. But it should only be seen as one point, of many, in the expanse of the spiral. In this sense, the setting and symbols can also be viewed as a portrait of a place – a magical place – at a very specific, yet undefined, moment in time. — Viktor El-Saieh

Viktor El-Saieh explores the relationships among history, leadership, and folklore in Haiti. Influenced by his early exposure to Haitian artists including Philomé Obin, André Pierre, and Seymour Etienne Bottex, El-Saieh’s paintings interpret Haiti’s rich art historical and spiritual traditions—and its turbulent revolutionary history—through large-scale historical paintings. Through his colorful, evocative works, the artist blurs fiction and reality to suggest alternative readings of historical events.

Viktor El-Saieh (b. 1988, Port-au-Prince, Haiti) holds a BA in international affairs from the University of Miami and studied painting at the André Pierre studio in Port-au-Prince. He has held three solo exhibitions at Central Fine Gallery, Miami Beach (2020, 2017, 2016), and has shown at the Ghetto Biennale, Port-au-Prince (2015), and David Castillo Gallery, Miami (2010), among others. El-Saieh’s work is part of the collections of the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, and Pérez Art Museum Miami. He lives and works in Denver.