ALAIN SAMSON

Alain Samson was born in Seychelles in 1968.  He initially taught art and design at primary level following five years of study at the National Youth Service and the Polytechnic School of Visual Arts.  Samson then decided to create art full time and has been making a living from his work ever since. 

He is also a proficient farmer, supplying local fruits and vegetables to the market in Victoria.
A dedicated observer and recorder of detail, Samson's paintings reflect Seychellois customs and culture, whilst also responding to the landscape of Mahe, his home, and members of his family, who are often depicted in an allegorical style which is almost hyper real on occasions.

This technical proficiency is also clearly evident in the artist's large scale drawings, which often record scenes and people with exceptional clarity and accuracy.

Samson often utilises dramatic lighting in his work, particularly when creating portraits; at times these pieces resemble the chiaroscuro approach of the 16th and 17th century masters, where the contrast of light and darkness is exploited to create great compositional tension.

Samson has shown his work extensively in the Seychelles as well as Europe.