Untitled

Painted in 2001, Untitled is a representative work of Juliana Seraphim’s striking style embodying a kind of unbidding Surrealism, where her imagination takes flight in a dreamlike manner, offering a glimpse into her beliefs and subconscious. The expression – influenced by her life experiences, themes of sexuality, and the fight for freedom, particularly in the realm of women's rights – is evident in the composition of this work, featuring elements such as enchanting architectural structures, otherworldly blossoms, and the sensually depicted female figure. Within this work, the figure seamlessly transforms into flowers and vice versa, prompting contemplation on the intricate and tender nature of the female physical and emotional existence. Fantastical delicate motifs of spirals, towers, and arches evoke an air of mystery, crafting ethereal and captivating utopias. Seraphim draws parallels between the emotional depth of women and the fragility of flowers, yet she herself was far from timid.

Her work places a strong emphasis on the female form and delves into liberated female sensuality, reflecting the artist's commitment to dismantling gender norms and the power dynamics they sustain. This unconventional and vividly hued painting seems to conjure Seraphim's vision of an ideal world: one where femininity and sensitivity are embraced and celebrated, transcending the rough-hewn presence of masculinity. Serphim's works are part of important international institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Institut du monde arabe, Paris; Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, Amman; The Sursock Museum, Beirut, among others.