Siena, James | Cova, 2011 — available on Composition Gallery

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// Cova by James Siena is a limited edition etching from 2011, created in an edition of 25. This work presents an intriguing abstract representation of a cave-like structure, rendered with tightly packed, textured lines that give the impression of organic forms piled upon one another. The image captures a sense of depth as the viewer’s gaze is drawn into the dark, textured interior of the “cave,” contrasting with the lighter, open space surrounding it. Siena’s intricate line work and focus on dense patterning invite interpretation, suggesting themes of mystery and discovery within confined spaces. The etching exemplifies his meticulous process-driven approach to abstraction.

James Siena (United States, 1957) is a contemporary artist celebrated for his intricate, rule-based abstractions. Employing self-imposed constraints, he creates complex patterns across mediums such as painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Siena's work is featured in prominent collections, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art.

James Siena

Cova, 2011

Name: Cova, 2011
SKU: 3088
Price: 800.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

Form

Limited Edition Print

Limited Edition PrintA limited edition print is one of a number of prints made at the same time from one printmaking plate. A fixed number are made and signed by the artist, indicating the printing order, using the format 1/10, meaning first of ten prints.

Medium

Etching

EtchingEtching is a technique where a design is created on a metal surface by using a strong acid or mordant to eat away the unprotected parts of the metal, leaving the desired pattern in relief (intaglio). In modern art and manufacturing, different chemicals may be used depending on the material being etched.

Edition

Edition of 25

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●Inventory 3088

Limited Edition Print

Etching

EUR 800

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The assumptions that viewers make when they first look at a picture are contradicted by direct examination.
- James Siena

James Siena is a contemporary abstract artist whose works are geometrical and graphic in nature. The complex patterns of his works emerge from 'visual algorithms' that are presets to his designs. He work in a variety of media including painting, sculpture, lithography, etching, woodcut, bronze-work, engraving, enameling and drawing. Siena's initial inspiration emerged from Artificial Intelligence, over the years he has moved on to explore the visual tropes of labyrinths and puzzles, playing with the machine-like movement of moving through a work of art. James Siena's aesthetic is expressed through bold colors and repetitive patterns that connect with post-industrial abstractions and play with human perception. Dynamic in their style, James Siena seeks to make highly charged works that engage the viewer with their intricacy and complexity. James Siena cites Rube Goldberg as an early influence, admiring his cartoons of complex machines that performed basic tasks, seeing his own works as two-dimensional machines. Works such as Battery(1997) and Dr. Michelle Carlson (2011-201) are intense patterns that border on optical illusion. Other works such as theLogic Package Sequence series are linear works that resemble flow charts. His sculptures are 3D manifestations of his signature geometrical shapes, with James Siena's bronze-works recalling endless tube formation. Siena's works are visually stunning in both their organic and mathematically precise renderings of shape and form.

Artwork by Eduardo Chillida

What is abstract art?

Abstract art uses form, shape, line, and color to create a visual experience without attempting to represent external reality. The composition exists independently of the world's visual references, focusing on expressing ideas and emotions through non-representational means.

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James Siena

Cova, 2011

35 x 31 cm

Language & Currency

James Siena