Interview with Sam Songailo

[ This article by Freya Dougan-Whaite, was published on February 16 2012, last updated on April 23 2012. ]

Artist Sam Songailo’s stunning geometric installation will be first to greet you when you visit the new Art, Pattern and complexity exhibition at the Science Exchange.

Sam studied in Adelaide, the home town of RiAus, and holds a Bachelor of Visual Communication (Graphic Design) from the University of South Australia. Though he now bases his art practice in Melbourne, we are delighted to have him back for the exhibition which coincides with the March issue of Artlink magazine on pattern and complexity in art.

Sam took time out from preparations this morning to answer some quick questions from RiAus in the lead up to the evening’s artists’ talk.

What inspires your art?

I’m inspired by technology, science fiction… I like things like microchips, computer circuits, that kind of thing.

Can you tell us about your background as an artist?

I started out as a graphic designer. I worked doing that for maybe three or four years before I decided that it wasn’t the thing for me, and so I got into painting, and now I’m doing installation work.

Why are you interested in pattern and complexity?

I think it’s something that I’m just naturally wired for. I like things to be more and more complex so I’m trying to push my art in that sort of direction. It’s not really something that I’m consciously interested in, it’s more something that I just find myself gravitating towards.

Why did you choose to exhibit at the Science Exchange?

I was asked to be part of the exhibition that Margot (Osborne) has curated. It was an opportunity for me to have another little play with installation because I don’t really get many opportunities to realise this sort of work.

What can we look forward to at the artists talk?

I’m showing some of my past projects and talking a little bit about how I got into installation. Hopefully a little bit of insight into why I’m doing it.

By Freya Dougan-Whaite