Sam MacInnes
Sam MacInnes (b.1997) is a Scottish contemporary artist who deals with the lived environment he finds himself in. Through adapting his experiences and inspirations he creates for himself a world which is then translated onto paper and canvas.
Through breathing life into his merry cast of characters he creates an imagined world of boys behaving badly, debauchery and at times an honest vulnerability that is rarely seen in young men. His work is bright, energetic and brash, with an underlying charm that is impossible not to enjoy, much like the artist himself…
I think he evokes the style of boyish immaturity, this whole style of work relates to his contemporary experiences growing up and living in Glasgow, going to uni in Edinburgh and I feel really responds to his own genuine emotions. Something which is so important.
His characters and their behaviour are carefully depicted, yet applicable to many to view the work.
He has managed to create his own cartoon show, telling the stories of badly behaved boys. The self awareness necessary to do that is huge, its an important vision into the issues of toxic masculinity, binge drinking, drug taking and laddish behaviour which is so clearly taking place all around us and yet rarely commented on directly, or understood.
Sam's work is a unique, thoughtful and humorous view into an area of society that rarely gets a serious look in. Its a sign of the times and I think will serve as an important touchstone in the future.
Leo Sartain, The Rafiki Gallery
Exhibitions
ECA I.O.D, Group, February 2020
MAFA Fckers, group 10th Feb 2020
ECA summer exhibition, group June- September2020
Alt-D (Online), group July 2020
Alchemy Experiment, Love in the time of Covid, group August 2020
World of Co. Residency Exhibition (Online), group Aug 2020
Pet Shop Biyz, Solo Show, The Rafiki Gallery, December 2020- January 2021
Group Show, Online Exhibition, Shrine NYC, January 2021
Final, Not Over Again, Unit 1 Gallery-June 2021
Publications
SadGrads Zine
Love in the time of Covid, Zine 2020
Artmag, Online Publication
ECA Summer Showcase, Top Picks
Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Made in Bed, Emerging Artists: Sam MacInnes