Jamell Saman

In his work, Jamell Saman uses unravelling stories, myths and sagas from the (world) history and Surinamese culture to reflect on himself. In those stories, he searches for a new point of view. Using oil paint on large wooden panels, Jamell depicts a different subject each time. In these works specifically, Jamell explores his desire for greatness. Working large offers the opportunity to wonder and reflect during the making process. Moreover, the size and weight of the paintings play a role in the work; they carry the weight of narrative history. Using a self-portrait as a guiding troubadour, the desire for greatness is expressed in a five-act work with a dramaturgical line that can be conceived in any order. The works contain themes of growth, betrayal and fearlessness. They show themselves on the one hand as self-portraits and on the other as engaging depictions of narrative history through the maker.

This page was last updated on June 15, 2023