French artist Seaty bravely crosses horizons and discovers fellowship

Renowned French contemporary artist Seaty, a pioneering figure of 21st-century urban art, has unveiled his first-ever solo exhibition in the UAE at La Galerie, Alliance Française Dubai (Oct. 1 – 24). Titled Crossing Horizons, it is curated by Astrid Lesuisse in collaboration with Alliance Francaise Dubai, a non‑profit cultural institution founded in 1982 and part of the global Alliance Française network. Initially emerging from the 1990s urban scene, Seaty’s artistic roots lie in hip-hop and graffiti culture.

Over the years, his signature style has won global attention, with prestigious galleries supporting his early “wild creations” as they entered the contemporary art market more than two decades ago, establishing his name across Europe. With Crossing Horizons, Seaty presents a curated selection of his most iconic works and enters the Middle Eastern market for the first time.

The artist marks the milestone through the unveiling of a new and monumental piece created especially for the exhibition. Bearing the same name as the exhibition, namely, Crossing Horizons, the latest work also signals a turning point in Seaty’s evolving aesthetic, embracing a more minimalist approach and a deeper exploration of emotional expression of his characters. Renowned for his mastery of street art techniques, Seaty’s paintings, predominantly in black and white with bursts of vibrant colour, draw on iconographic research across ethnic groups, tribes and cultures.

Known for pushing the boundaries of traditional art mediums, he challenges the conventional use of canvas, by featuring an exclusive series of ten smaller works on crafted material echoing street concrete - a tribute to the genesis of his career and an entry point into his body of work. Seaty reclaims the street as a legitimate space for fine art, making it accessible and celebrated by all.

Seaty at work.

“I strive to whisper life, freedom and emotion into each one of my paintings; it is a raw energy I need to express. What emerges is a quiet resilience, wrapped in gentle strength that resonates through every gaze,” he says. At its heart, Seaty’s work is a tribute to cultural diversity. His art acts as a bridge between communities, mirroring the values of the Alliance Française: not only teaching language, but nurturing spaces for cultural exchange and learning. “The characters in Seaty’s work feel incredibly alive,” said curator Astrid Lesuisse. “Though imagined, they are inspired by real people. Seaty portrays them with strength and dignity, using black and white to symbolise their timelessness and universality, and not as race markers. Colourful elements distinguish them and speak of their unique cultures, traditions and stories, crossing horizons.”

Crossing Horizons is part of Alliance Française Dubai’s cultural programming schedule. The opening night on October 1 included an inclusive reception open to all, where guests engaged with Seaty and his works, firsthand. The event was graced by Jean-Christophe Paris, Consul General of France to the UAE, as Guest of Honour. The exhibition adds a meaningful chapter to Dubai’s cultural landscape, offering residents and visitors access to a unique cultural experience. It is an opportunity to encounter thought-provoking contemporary art and engage with the artist beyond the walls of his studio in Ras Al Khor, Dubai. It is, finally, a call to connect, reflect, and celebrate the diverse humanity we all share.

Born in France in 1983, Seaty has emerged as one of the most emblematic contemporary artists of the 21st century. Deeply influenced by the urban culture of the 1990s, from hip-hop to the rise of graffiti, he began producing “wild creations” on city walls at an early age. Entirely self-taught, he committed to his artistic journey in 2012, adopting the stage name ‘Seaty’ - a homophone of “city”, as a tribute to his roots.

Seaty is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional art mediums, with works ranging from canvas to road signs, cars, phone booths, and urban walls. His creative reach includes major projects such as a complete transformation of a Mini Clubman in collaboration with Mini MyWay Monaco; a custom British phone booth installation in Courchevel; a striking large mural for Galerie Bartoux in Cannes; a monumental public façade mural in Dreux, featuring his iconic piece, Hoian; and international showcases.

Astrid Lesuisse in Dubai.

With a growing global presence, he continues to use art as a powerful tool for cultural dialogue, making urban art accessible, while amplifying messages of identity, equality, and human connection. For over 40 years, Alliance Française Dubai has been a leading cultural and language centre in the UAE. It offers French courses for all ages and levels, along with a diverse cultural programme that highlights both Francophone and local artistic expressions. A hub for exchange and dialogue, it actively fosters intercultural understanding between France, the Francophone world, and the United Arab Emirates.

Born in Paris, Astrid Lesuisse, Agent and Art Consultant with notable fine arts experience gained across Europe and North America, relocated to the UAE over five years ago, where she noticed a growing interest in contemporary art. Since then, she has been contributing to Dubai’s growing prominence as a leading cultural and arts hub by developing partnerships with leading entities such as Art Dubai, the region’s largest art fair, curating exhibitions with renowned galleries like Zidoun-Bossuyt, guiding collectors in acquiring art, integrating art into commercial environments such as the art-driven Hotel Indigo, and commissioning artworks for global brands, including Nespresso. She is especially recognised for her work with Emirati and UAE-based artists, incorporating their art into culturally and commercially rich spaces.