Viktor El-Saieh (b. 1988, Port-au-Prince, Haiti)
I of the Spiral – 2022

Installed as part of the Miami Worldcenter Public Art Program, I of the Spiral by Viktor El-Saieh is a richly layered artwork that invites viewers into a world of myth, magic, and abstract symbolism. El-Saieh, a Haitian-American artist known for his vibrant, intricate compositions, draws from his background in political science, anthropology, and Haitian visual traditions to craft dense, dreamlike visual landscapes.

I of the Spiral reflects the artist’s fascination with metaphysical ideas and the spiritual symbolism rooted in Haitian history, particularly the syncretic visual language of Vodou. The spiral form—central to the composition—serves as both a structural and conceptual motif. In Vodou cosmology, the spiral represents continuity, rebirth, and the infinite unfolding of experience. El-Saieh’s work channels this dynamic, portraying a shifting scene filled with ambiguous figures, surreal terrains, and coded symbols, all coexisting in a space that feels simultaneously chaotic and deeply intentional.

This artwork is not a linear narrative but a map of perception—one that asks viewers to consider what it means to find order within disorder. It evokes a state where the spiritual, psychological, and social realms collapse into a single visual moment. The “I” of the title suggests personal presence and subjective reality, placing the viewer within the spiral as an active participant in interpreting the work’s meaning.

Square Edge’s Role

Square Edge Inc. played a central role in realizing this complex installation at Miami Worldcenter. Acting as project manager and liaison between curators Primary Projects and Jeffrey Deitch, the artist, and the development team, Square Edge coordinated all technical aspects of the artwork’s integration into the site. From fabrication oversight and transport logistics to insurance, permitting, and environmental placement, Square Edge ensured that I of the Spiral met both creative and construction standards for long-term public display.

Given the intricate detail and layered visual language of El-Saieh’s work, careful attention was required to preserve the integrity of the piece throughout installation. Square Edge managed mock-ups and material testing in collaboration with fabricators and provided detailed feedback loops to the artist to ensure alignment with the original vision.

The final result is a permanent public artwork that not only captures Viktor El-Saieh’s signature fusion of chaos and clarity, but also brings a meditative, almost sacred energy to the fast-developing Miami Worldcenter site. Square Edge’s seamless coordination reflects its unique expertise at the intersection of construction, culture, and urban experience—demonstrating how public art can serve as both monument and meditation.