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James Siena Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

American, b. 1957

American artist James Siena is celebrated for his inimitable process of creating intricate abstractions, driven by a practice of self-imposed rules termed visual algorithms. 

Siena preemptively determines his marks and actions and repeats them procedurally as his works result in intensely concentrated, vibrantly colored, freehand compositions. His oeuvre often references diagrams, complex puzzles, labyrinths, and mapping, resulting in inward meditations that actively engage traditions of pattern and mark-making in an ongoing exploration of scale, materiality, and interaction of color. 

Maneuvering across a diverse range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, drawing, lithography, etching and woodcuts, Siena’s work has placed him firmly within the canon of contemporary American art. For more than four decades, Siena’s rule-based linear abstractions have been strongly associated with the machine / human interface. 

“The way the paintings act as machines,” the artist has pointed out, “is you have to find your way into them and find your way out of them.”

Born in Oceanside, California, in 1957, Siena lives and works in New York, NY, and Otis, MA.

Find original James Siena art on 1stDibs.

(Biography provided by Miles McEnery Gallery)

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Artist: James Siena
Untitled t-nail ink drawing, unique geometric abstraction hand signed framed
By James Siena
Located in New York, NY
James Siena Untitled t-nail drawing (reference: two against two), 1999 Graphite on paper Pencil signed, titled, annotated and dated on the reverse of the sheet (see photos) also penc...
Category

1990s Abstract Geometric James Siena Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Graphite, Pencil

"This is for Nadine": hand signed unique marker drawing in exhibition catalogue
By James Siena
Located in New York, NY
James Siena "This is for Nadine", signed drawing, 2005 Original drawing done in black marker, bound in the title page of softcover PACE Gallery catalogue with stiff wraps hand signe...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Geometric James Siena Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink, Mixed Media, Lithograph, Offset, Felt Pen

Connected Orthogonal Hooks (Green)
By James Siena
Located in New York, NY
JAMES SIENA Connected Orthogonal Hooks (Green), 2015 Graphite on paper Paper Dimensions: 11 x 8 7/16 inches 27.9 x 21.4 cm Framed Dimensions: 17 13/16 x 15 5/16 x 1 1/4 inches 45.2 x...
Category

2010s James Siena Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Graphite

Conversation with Manifold
By James Siena
Located in New York, NY
James Siena Conversation with Manifold, 2017 Gouache on paper Paper Dimensions: 11 x 8 3/8 inches 27.9 x 21.3 cm Framed Dimensions: 18 x 15 3/8 x 1 3/16 inches 45.7 x 39.1 x 3 cm Sig...
Category

2010s James Siena Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache

Quadravalde
By James Siena
Located in New York, NY
James Siena Quadravalde, 2014 Ink on paper Paper Dimensions: 8 7/8 x 7 inches 22.5 x 17.8 cm Framed Dimensions: 15 3/4 x 13 7/16 x 1 3/8 inches 40 x 34.1 x 3.5 cm Signed, titled, and...
Category

2010s James Siena Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink

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James Siena abstract drawings and watercolors for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic James Siena abstract drawings and watercolors available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by James Siena in ink, graphite, pencil and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large James Siena abstract drawings and watercolors, so small editions measuring 6 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of James Minden, Karen Schiff, and Seymour Lipton. James Siena abstract drawings and watercolors prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,200 and tops out at $28,000, while the average work can sell for $10,000.

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