Sam Shendi
Positioned among Virginia’s artist, Sam Shendi emerges as a sculptor of Egyptian-British origin. His artistic explorations revolve around fundamental aspects of human being, as evidenced by his vivid and chromatic abstract sculptures depicting the human form. Having attained his bachelor's degree with distinction from Helwen University of Fine Arts in Cairo in 1997, Shendi initially directed his creative energy toward figurative sculptures, a direction that progressively evolved into abstract interpretations that retain a hint of familiarity.
Throughout the years, Shendi's artistic journey has transformed, setting the figure free from the confines of traditional display. Fueled by the intricate emotions that mold human existence, Shendi progressively embraced a stripped-down method, condensing his ideas to their core. In his view, sculptures surpass their material structures, shifting from tangible bodies into containers and ultimately channels of vitality. These sculptures encapsulate the wavelengths of physical and emotional shifts, which manifest in countless, boundless arrangements. As a visual artist agent, Shendi's work continues to resonate profoundly.
Through his artistic career, Shendi discovered that each piece serves as a documentary of his personal diary, capturing specific memories that profoundly influence the forms he creates. His art becomes a visual communication bridging the gap between himself and the public, inviting viewers to explore their own emotional complexities. While the forms of his sculptures have taken an abstract direction, their minimalistic appearance belies the profound depths they embody. Perhaps akin to a machine that records and preserves emotions, his sculptures become repositories of impactful experiences, transcending their physicality.
Shendi’s choice of materials has evolved alongside his artistic development. Utilizing stainless steel as his medium of choice, he represents contemporary life, departing from the traditional use of bronze, stone, and wood. Colouring plays a significant role in describing his sculptures, where it becomes as valuable as the forms themselves. By imbuing industrial materials with hues, Shendi achieves a weightless quality that captivates the viewer’s gaze.
Uninterested in aligning himself with artistic movements, Shendi’s artistic integrity lies in the originality of each piece, a testament to its singular memory, documentary, and evidence. Rejecting notions of repetition or editions, he strives to create sculptures that possess their own distinct personality.
As an artist, Shendi envisions his sculptures as pages in a diary, serving as reminders of his existence and catalysts for reflection in others. His aspiration is for future generations to perceive his works as powerful representations of the zeitgeist. Acting as a bridge between the past and the future, his sculptures seamlessly transcend genres and fit into any artistic context. For Shendi, colour serves as the soul of his sculptures, with its purpose extending beyond mere visual attraction. It becomes a conduit for evoking emotions, revealing the intricate complexities of the human experience.
Sam Shendi’s sculptures serve as vibrant reflections of the human condition. Through his mastery of minimalistic forms and his exploration of the human psyche, he invites viewers into a world where simplicity unravels profound truths.