Full Biography
In all of Samuel’s work there is most often a direct reference to man’s relationship with nature – he either openly pays homage to nature or fights for its cause through social commentary by highlighting man’s horrific abuse and neglect.
He approaches his work from two very different formal perspectives resulting in two styles which, although seem to be polar opposites, both say the same thing. His sculptures tend to be simple, contemplative, often solemn – drawing influences from artists like Mark Rothko, Henry Moore, Anthony Gormley, Isamu Naguchi and Brancusi. His drawings and paintings on the other hand are direct, impulsive outbursts, either shouting at the world for help or reprimanding man for his hypocrisies and blatant injustices towards nature and towards each other. These pieces are more aggressive, overt, and explicit. These drawings are honest, often shocking and always intimate. Samuel combines quirk, primitive and contemporary symbolism, deliberate sentimentality and emotion to “through the personal touch on the universal.”
SAM ALLERTON is a sculptor living in Franschhoek, outside of Cape Town where he has a home and a studio. He studied at Ampleforth College in England and the Slade in London before returning to South Africa to do a degree in sculpture at the Michaelis School of Fine Art at UCT where he was awarded a BAFA degree in sculpture with distinction. As an undergraduate he was awarded the Irma Stern bursary as well as remaining on the Dean’s Merit list throughout his studies. He has worked full time as a sculptor predominantly creating works for private collectors both locally and abroad. Sam is strongly influenced by nature and the fate of the environment and his works exude a powerful primitive source that is timeless. Sam is currently exhibiting in South Africa and Belgium and is working toward the opening of a solo show in early 2019.
Exhibitions and artistic achievements
• 2015 “@PLAY” exhibition of 5 prominent sculptors works centered around the theme of Play – Everard REad Cape Town
• 2014/2015 Everard Read Mount Nelson Sculpture Exhibition – exhibiting new monumental sculpture called “Abacus
• IS ART Tokara Summer Sculpture Exhibition 2014/2015
• IS ART Franschhoek – group Winter Show 2014
• Large outdoor sculptures at the Everard Read Mount Nelson Summer
Sculpture exhibition 2012 and 2013
• In The Balance – exhibition of new sculptures at Youngblood, Cape Town 2013
• OCTOBER 2011 – A Closer Look at Everard Read, Cape Town: An exhibition of drawing works on paper
• 2011 – Pilgrim ‘Bonsai’ sculpture placed and documented in prominent locations in Cape Town – Oudekraal rocks on the Atlantic Seaboard, on the slopes of Table Mountain and above the shacks of Imizama Yethu (Mandela Park) informal settlement in Hout Bay. The sculpture encouraged debate and drew attention to environmental and humanitarian issues which the artist felt were desperately needing addressing.
• August 2005 – The Pilgrim Series, at Limeline, De Watekant
• October 2004 – Fresh Blossoms, showing recent works in bronze, at ‘dirt’ on Kloof Street, Cape Town
• August 2004 – ‘HERD’ show at ‘dirt’ art space in Kloof Street, Cape Town
• 2003, November – ‘Tired of Talking’ Exhibition at VEO Gallery, De Waterkant, Cape Town
• 2003, November – Exhibition of recent bronzes at Lime Line Architectural and Interior Concepts
• 2003 Exhibited at Bronze Age Foundry’s yearly exhibition and has work in their showroom on a permanent basis.
• 2002 and 2003 – showed work at Rose Korber’s annual Salon at the Bay Hotel, Camps Bay, which is a showcase of South Africa’s best known artists alongside emerging young artists.
• 2002 – 2008 Working as professional full-time sculptor exhibiting at various outlets throughout the year as well as working together with clients on specific projects. During this time I have also completed work for several projects in the film industry, most notably the sculptures for the Nedbank 2005 advertising campaign.
• Currently completing new works in bronze, dolomite, wood and stone for private commissions as well as towards new bodies of works.
• Represented by the Everard Read Gallery placing works in private and corporate collections both locally and abroad
Education
• Michaelis, UCT – distinction in Sculpture
• Slade, London – Summer school
• Ampleforth College, England – A Levels in Art and Music and was awarded the annual art prize
• Selborne College, East London – matriculated in 1994 and where received colors for waterpolo and music and awards for art.
• Selborne Primary and Bishops Prep School
Outreach Work
• Volunteered and taught art at the Homestead (center for street children), in central Cape Town
• Taught art classes at BABS (Build a Better Society Community Center) in Athlone, Cape Town, for the duration of 2001
• Donated work for the Sunflower Fund 2009 • 2011 – Worked with children from the Lalela project in Hout Bay
• 2014 Donated “Brothers” sculptures to the Opulent Living Chefs who Share