"I’ve always had differing world-views around me. Someone's unhealthy suppression of emotions was another person's stoicism. One person's view of sacrificing themselves to serve was another's power play - to oppress and subjugate. It got me thinking about where such values come from, and that's when the ball started rolling. Painting helps me work out what I think and this show is me presenting that process. I got so much from it that I’m pursuing painting full time in 2021. This is the first of three exhibitions I plan to show this year. I hope you enjoy it." - Sam Hamper

 

“Man on bed with red lily” is the only directly self referencial painting I made.  I found myself drawn to Francis Bacon's portraits with their uncomfortable compositions and fragmented figures. It represents a time that was the lowest part of my year. It's a difficult painting for me, yet was probably the most therapeutic to do.”

 

Much of my work takes influences from the greek myths, “Limelight of Caeneus” is based on the story of Caenis, a woman who after being abused by Posidon was so distraught that she demanded to be changed into a man, so that she might never be wronged again. Poseidon granted this wish and also gave Caenis, now Caeneus, impenetrable skin. Here Caeneus is held aloft, or pushing himself up, above a complex distortion of forms that support his limelight.

"People may see my work as more focused on relationships than masculinity. Perhaps it is, however, in many of my closest relationships the overexpression, suppression or denial of the masculine has been noticeable. These small studies "The Desired Devils" are directly focused on romantic relationships. I was trying to explore how some expressions of masculinity that are demonised in public are still desired in private.”