James Siena demonstrates remarkable mastery of exuberant line in this exhibition of works on paper. Known for his unique mark making and creation of complex visual systems, Siena blends mathematical rigor with a deeply intuitive and expressive approach to form and process. 

In the drawings on view, Siena’s recursive motions across the paper plane “are methodical, but not entirely pre-planned,” describes Laura Bannister in the catalogue essay, “Each line moves in a similar—not identical—manner over and over, across the page, wryly imitating itself.” Structure and spontaneity coexist in the resulting geometric shapes, labyrinths, and free-flowing organic forms made from acrylic, colored pencil, crayon, india ink, gouache, graphite, and watercolor on varying, specially sourced paper stocks.

Rather than creating patterns, Siena insists his accretive lines form procedures. “Patterns imply a kind of repetition and uniformity,” he explains, “and what I’m interested in is the difference between things. If executed properly, the steps by which I carry out the procedure result in an unexpected outcome. An emergence.” 

James Siena (b. 1957 in Oceanside, CA) received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. For over two decades, the artist has taught at New York’s School of Visual Arts in the Masters of Fine Arts department.