Nazeer Sabree, The Allegory of an American Family and the Gathering Place, 2025
Nazeer Sabree upends the familiar image of the family table, raising it so that its flat front panel greets the viewer like a threshold. Two wax plates, placed at the head and foot of the table, evoke the warmth of shared meals and the intimacy of remembrance. In the corners, lace doilies cling delicately to the surface, quiet gestures of preservation and care that soften the structure’s gravity. The table becomes both altar and witness, a living site of inheritance and memory, where family gatherings bear the mark of those no longer present.
At its center, a cutout silhouette opens a void in the tabletop. Nearby, a full portrait rendered in Sabree’s warm, lush tones echoes the missing figure, acknowledging what’s gone without trying to restore it. On the back panel, collaged fabrics washed in black attest to the varying textures and the ongoing endurance of grief. In this balance of presence and absence, Sabree suggests that inheritance is not only what is handed down but what takes root in the gaps left behind.
At This Table is on view November 7th-December 13th, 2025 at Heim Center for Cultural and Civic Engagement at the Parkway Central Library.
Materials: Wood, oil paint, acrylic paint, found cloth, wax, epoxy, oil pastel.
Nazeer Sabree is an exciting new voice in contemporary art emerging from the heart of Philadelphia. As both a gifted artist and an insightful narrator, Sabree's work delves into the intricate tapestry of manhood, boyhood, and the pursuit of healing. His evocative figure paintings and collages weave traditional techniques with modern elements, creating a visual language that is both fresh and profoundly resonant.
Inspired by the rich artistic heritage and dynamic cultural scene of Philadelphia, Sabree's artistry reflects his deep connection to the city. From a young age, he absorbed the vibrant influences around him, channeling them into a unique style honed through years of dedicated practice and experimentation. Sabree's pieces are a compelling fusion of classical art principles and contemporary vision, consistently delivering powerful and thought-provoking works.
Sabree's art boldly challenges societal norms and the rigid expectations imposed on men and boys. Utilizing bold brushstrokes and a vibrant color palette, he creates dynamic scenes that provoke deep reflection and dialogue. Each piece is imbued with a profound social and political awareness, addressing the ongoing struggles for justice and equality. Through his art, Sabree invites viewers to explore the complexities of masculinity, examining its intersections with race, identity, mental health, and personal experience.
Nazeer Sabree's work is a powerful call to consider the nuanced narratives that shape our understanding of manhood and humanity.His art not only captivates the eye but also engages the mind, making him a standout figure in the contemporary art world.
Lead support for the Monument Lab Artist Residency is provided by the William Penn Foundation, with additional support from Urban Art Projects (UAP) and the Ogilvie Family Foundation.
Image Credits: Nazeer Sabree, The Allegory of an American Family and the Gathering Place, 2025, Parkway Central Library, Philadelphia PA, At This Table: A Monument Lab Residency Exhibition (Photography: Steve Weinik).