The Kiss Sculpture

Sam Shendi is an Egyptian-born British Sculptor whose work delves into the core of human existence through vibrant, coloured sculptural abstractions of the human figure. Graduating with a first-class BA degree with honors from Helwen University of Fine Arts in Cairo in 1997, Shendi’s early focus on figurative sculptures gradually transformed into abstract yet recognizable forms. Over the years, Shendi’s practice has evolved, liberating the figure from the constraints of conventional presentation. Inspired by the emotional complexities that shape human experiences, he gravitated towards a minimalistic approach, distilling his concepts to their essence. For Shendi, sculptures transcend mere physical forms, transitioning from tangible entities to vessels and eventually conduits of energy. These sculptures encapsulate the frequencies of physical and emotional movements that differ in infinite configurations. 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.