Gallery
SBLS Magazine
November/December, 2025
Written by Maddy Sims · Photography by Silas Fallstich
"For a moment, I could swear I’m in France. But I’m not—I’m in downtown Santa Barbara, at the city’s most intriguing new destination for contemporary art.
Many contemporary art galleries can feel cold or austere, but Seimandi and Leprieur have struck a rare balance between sophistication and sincerity. Despite the space’s polished design and the couple’s ambitious curatorial vision, this sunny corner of Santa Barbara radiates warmth and openness."
"This narrative extends far beyond the current exhibition. The gallery tells a richly layered story of the Caribbean’s small islands, bringing together French, Caribbean, and international artists. At its heart lies a steadfast commitment to foster meaningful conversations between Europe, the Caribbean, and the United States, while embracing the evolving currents of contemporary art."
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SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT
August 19, 2025
Article by Josef Woodard, seasoned arts writer and critic, recipient of the 2023 Leadership in Arts Award, Santa Barbara County
“It is not often that Santa Barbara sees a significant development in new contemporary art spaces and faces, making the arrival of Seimandi & Leprieur a cause for celebration among the city’s art enthusiasts. Open for just a month, the gallery is a welcoming, light-filled space located on Anapamu Street, in a building that decades ago housed the famous Bluebird Café. This landmark of bluegrass and folk music is now a haven for art, with a particular focus on the dynamic Caribbean art scene, beginning with the bold yet subtle black-and-white paintings of Martinican resident Ricardo Ozier-Lafontaine, in an exhibition titled Fertilum.” Read the full article online
About the writer – Josef Woodard
Josef Woodard is a renowned arts writer and critic based in Santa Barbara, with decades of experience covering fine art, exhibitions, and cultural events. He has written for the Santa Barbara Independent, Los Angeles Times, Artweek, and Rolling Stone, and has contributed numerous essays to art books and exhibition catalogues. His perspective is informed by a deep engagement with contemporary art and a long history of critical writing in the field.
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Impressive New Art Space in Town, with French-Caribbean Flavor