Sam Friedman

Sam Friedman moves between representational and abstract depictions with seeming ease and spontaneity. His paintings explore the formal concerns of paint, tools and surfaces as they relate to the scale of the human body, and his narratives resist progressive plots; without a beginning or end, the works become infinite. For each piece he manifests, there are countless interpretations that do not become physical, yet remain in the artist’s mind with a boundlessness that resonates with the viewer.

Friedman’s work is rooted in the tradition of American Abstract Expressionist painters who explored line, color, and the systematic application of paint. Within this heritage, Friedman examines methodical processes where repetition and self imposed parameters lay the groundwork for his compositions but permit him the freedom to build each piece instinctively by hand. Rather than masking each successive gradient to create a manufactured finish, the artist premixes his colors and lays down line after line freehand, allowing imperfections to emerge.

Friedman studied illustration and typography at the Pratt Art Institute and has presented solo exhibitions in the United States, Europe and Asia. His work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Artsy, Hypebeast, High Snobiety, Juxtapoz and other publications.

Born in Oneonta, New York in 1984
Lives and works in Pleasant Valley, New York

Sam Friedman — undefined

Sam Friedman

Untitled, 2020
Acrylic on canvas
85h x 141w in

I’m trying to create something that has a meditative quality, or a quality of taking you away. One of those things that just kind of puts out a positive, enjoyable experience as if an element of the earth. There’s definitely a meditative quality to doing the same types of tasks over and over that present a slow refinement.

— Sam Friedman

Selected Work

Sam Friedman — undefined

Sam Friedman

Untitled, 2023
Acrylic on canvas
72h x 144w in

Sam Friedman — undefined

Sam Friedman

Untitled, 2023
Acrylic on canvas
48h x 96w in

Sam Friedman — undefined

Sam Friedman

Untitled, 2022
Acrylic on canvas
48h x 96w in

Sam Friedman — undefined

Sam Friedman

Untitled, 2022
Acrylic on canvas
60h x 96w in

Sam Friedman — undefined

Sam Friedman

Untitled (Sun Discs) 7, 2020
Set of five hand-painted tondos on paper, mounted in circular frames
19.25" in diameter each

Sam Friedman — undefined

Sam Friedman

Untitled, 2017
Acrylic on canvas
72h x 120w in