Sammi Mak
Degree: MA Fine Art
University: University of the Arts London
Graduation Year: 2022
New Blood Art Commentary
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In some paintings Sammi Mak will paint all the way to the border, creating immersion. Take the molecular magnificence of ‘Mist’ or the substance of ‘Chaos’. In both paint registers the imprint of feeling, transversing the canvas like weather. With delicacy, through a restrained but vibrant palette, the painter gives an atmosphere’s chemical pigmentation. In this respect they specifically recollect the super-temporality of Anselm Kiefer’s nature paintings.
In some works – of oil and watercolour on ‘Somerset soft velvet paper’ – the emphasis is horizontal. In one sense the whirling meeting place of brush with paint is not constrained by literal or linear representation – though there is much velocity to the direction of the brushwork. The paper gives an effect of softness: a transient scrolling. In fact, their horizontal inscriptions recall antique painting scrolls; these particular works by Sammi Mak could be read from left to right.
The titles of these paintings are bridges through the air: not necessarily leading anywhere, but providing some footing. Blank spaces of canvas will be left, suggesting there is more to be seen, felt or done: an active participation by the viewer is invited. One of the most exquisite landscapes in the history of Japanese art is ‘Cracked Ice’ by Maruyama Okyo, which shows with naturalistic minimalism – a few strokes of black ink across the white canvas – the scene of ice breaking up. As in Mak’s work, the painterly is foregrounded, the brushwork – and all that it evokes – deployed lightly, with ceremonial precision.
Artist Statement
My works manifest how painterliness stands in the position of language depicting my experience in reality and connection with the universe. My works delve into the realm of poetry by replacing linguistics with visual forms of communication, inventing a system of painted lexicology that communicates recalled memory.
My works are rooted in connection with the radical beauty of nature, creating the path to connect with history and human emotions. It is the oneness of ecstasy through paint and writing.
I create spaces with a sense of openness through the fluidity and intuition of paint, which is composed of unapologetic romance. The act of painting and writing reinforces the authenticity of my identity, inscribing my heritage and experiences through the breath of longing and desire that flows from real-life experiences.
Solo Exhibitions
(2023) Hong Kong Art Central Art Fair, Odds and Ends Gallery, Hong Kong
(2021) Dear Universe, Mak Wing Sum Sammi solo printmaking exhibition, Hong Kong Open Printshop, Hong Kong
Group Exhibitions
(2023) The Elegance Of Solitude, JPS Gallery, Hong Kong
(2023) Altar-native, Ugly Duck, London, United Kingdom
(2023) LOVE at Odds and Ends, Odds and Ends, Hong Kong
(2023) Phases of Matter, Gallery Exit, Hong Kong
(2023) ART021 Shanghai Contemporary Art Fair, Gallery Exit, Shanghai, China
(2023) The Elegance Of Solitude, JPS Gallery, Hong Kong
(2022) Affordable Art Fair, Odds and Ends Gallery, Hong Kong
(2022) Unveil, Swanfall Art, London, United Kingdom
(2022) Chapel / Factory, University of the Arts London, MA Fine Arts show, Copeland Gallery, London, United Kingdom
(2022) This Art Exhibition, Espacio Gallery, London, United Kingdom
(2022) Fai Chun Exhibition 2022, Odd One Out Gallery, Hong Kong
(2022) Featured Artist at True Global (London), Inhouse Art, London
(2022) Roll Call 1st Edition, Odds and Ends Gallery, Hong Kong
(2021) Mixed tape, UAL, London, United Kingdom
(2021) Up Close – Hollywood Road II, MUSTHAVEKEYS, Hong Kong
(2021) Dream with my eyes open, Duo art exhibition, Hapi, Hong Kong
(2021) Afterword I, Hong Kong Open Printshop, Hong Kong
(2021) BOOKED, Artbook pop-ups, Tai Kwun Contemporary, Hong Kong
(2020) Pressing On, Hong Kong Open Printshop, Hong Kong
(2019) HSBC private charity auction, HSBC, Hong Kong
(2019) Containing, Duo solo show, PMQ, Hong Kong
(2019) The New Art Now Exhibition, HKBU AVA Kai Tak Campus with Hong Kong Art Basel, Hong Kong
(2018) Good Times- Group Exhibition, Odd One Out Gallery, Hong Kong
(2018) Academy of Visual Arts BA Graduation Exhibition, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
(2018) A Thin Booklet zine concept exhibition, Liaotistic, Hong Kong
Competitions, Prizes & Awards
(2020) HKOP Award in Printmaking 2020-2021
(2018) Hong Kong Baptist University, Academy of Visual Art Studies Collection
(2022) Featuring artist at True House, London