Sam Samore creates fascinating large scale conceptual photographs. Appropriative practices, which are established by artists such as Cindy Sherman, are a key element in his works. His photos are an exploration of privacy and myth in contemporary society.
Britany Salsbury (Artforum) about his work:
Samore’s photographs are characterized by open-ended and evocative narrative compositions that are reminiscent of film stills. Through the contrast between the straightforwardness of their artifice and the impossibility of explaining the situations they portray, Samore’s photographs reveal a fragmented and constructed subject that invites interrogation of gender, popular culture, and identity.
Britany Salsbury gives a clear analyse of Sam Samore’s work in the following quote: “The Dark Suspicion#1 (See top photo), for instance, shows a young woman whose vacant stare and decorated femininity (heavy makeup, etc.) make her resemble the subject of a fashion advertisement. The model is only visible, however, through a gap between two other figures, whose showy lipstick and starkly pale skin seem virtually identical to her own. Although it would be easiest to rationalize the two doppelgangers as mirror reflections of the female figure, such a reading is impossible, given their position in the photograph: between the woman and the viewer. This manipulation of space eschews predictable or concrete explanation and frustrates the viewer’s impulse to impose purpose or narrative on figures whose functions might have otherwise seemed clear.”
In the above video by Kiki Allgeier , Sam Samore explains some more about his works. Samore’s role within LM100 (Le Meridien) was to help identify and chronicle the narratives inherent in the guest experience, from his contributions to the stories included in Le Méridien’s 50 Words story collection to his role as an artist behind a series of keys in the Unlock Art collection.
Photos from top to bottom:
The Dark Suspicion #1, 2011
Allegories of Beauty (Incomplete) #108, #44, #63, 1990s
The Dark Suspicion #5, 2011
Allegories of Beauty (Incomplete) #47, #10, #50, #8,1990s
Photos by: Sam Samore | Video by: Kiki Allgeier | Source: Britany Salsbury |