AmRev360
AmRev360: Art of Revolution with Les Seifer
February 2, 2022Iconic artistic depictions of the American Revolution tend to be highly realistic in a way that pulls an observer directly into a scene from the times. From Peale to Trumbull to Trego to Troiani, their works are often lifelike, trying to depict and make sense of an era before photographs and video recordings. Les Seifer, a Brooklyn-based artist, takes a modern approach to his interpretation, using ink and mixed media to explore the humanity and “messiness” of the Revolutionary era. His 2018 self-published monograph, Revolt!, features art sure to be recognizable to anyone interested in the American Revolution, even if it is different from historical artists who came before him. And for any visitor to the Museum, you may notice some familiar figures that make up tableau scenes in our galleries, including Joseph Plumb Martin, the Peale Brothers, the Hessian Soldier, A Brawl in Harvard Yard, and more.
In this episode of AmRev360, Seifer joins Museum President & CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson for a tour of his home studio and a discussion about his artistic process, his interest in the complexity of the American Revolution, his unique depictions of Revolutionary era scenes, and the inspiration he found on his visit to the Museum.
Les Seifer is a Brooklyn-based mixed media artist. His work has been featured in dozens of exhibitions and publications. Seifer has published a number of monographs, including Untamed!, Cowboys, and of course, Revolt!. You can follow his work on his website and on Instagram, @leseifer.
AmRev360 features lively conversations on the American Revolution from all angles between Stephenson and a broad slate of dynamic guests, including authors, actors, community leaders, and more.