Textile, ceramic and circus artist
Sam Matthewman is a contemporary artist based in Australia whose work explores the intersection between art and performance. Born in 1996, they grew up on Kaurna Country (Adelaide) and developed a passion for performing and sculpture at a young age.
After completing a Bachelor of Contemporary Art at the University of South Australia in 2021, Matthewman continued their learning with mentors of Ida Sophia and Jascha Boyce, and with international residencies of the British School at Rome. This multidisciplinary education has informed their artistic practice, which incorporates a wide range of media, including ceramics, cotton rope, installation, and filmed circus.
Their work often reflects their interest in exploring the relationship between the body and materials, particularly in the context of live performance. They are known for creating immersive installations that invite viewers to engage with the artworks in a tactile and interactive way. Their performances often incorporate elements of circus and physical theatre, using their training in acrobatics and clowning to create dynamic and expressive movements.
In their recent work, Matthewman has focused on exploring themes of identity and belonging, drawing on their queer experience. They are interested in the ways in which materials and textures can evoke feelings of comfort and familiarity, while also serving as a reminder of the complexity and diversity of individual experiences.
Matthewman’s artworks have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions throughout Australia and internationally, including at the Adelaide Contemporary Experimental, FELTspace, and the Romanian Academy in Rome. They have also collaborated with other artists and performers on a range of interdisciplinary projects, including installations, film, and live performance. An award winning performer Sam has participated at a number of festivals and events, including the Adelaide Fringe Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
In addition to his artistic practice, Matthewman is committed to sharing their skills and knowledge with others. They have taught visual art and physical theatre workshops for children and adults, across Australia.
Through their art and teaching, Sam Matthewman seeks to create spaces of connection and transformation that challenge and inspire viewers to think differently about themselves and the world around them. Their work is a testament to the power of performance and materials to transcend boundaries and create new possibilities for expression and understanding.
CV
Sam Matthewman (he/they)
b. 1996
Lives and works on Kaurna Country (Adelaide, South Australia)
Education & Employment
2022-2023
Art Images Gallery (Private Installations & Curatorial Consultant)
2021
Bachelor of Contemporary Art at University of South Australia
Exchange semester Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain (Stone Carving & Mural Art) (2020)
Exhibitions
2022
FELTspace Graduate Award Exhibition –
The Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition – Adelaide, SA
2021
MMXXI UniSA Bachelor of Contemporary Art Graduate Exhibition – Adelaide, SA
MAN-akin Window Installation, SALA – Fred Living, Aldgate, SA
Group exhibition, The Forge, Gravity & Other Myths – Mile End, SA
2020
Ephemeral Art Workshop and Tour – as part of the South Australian Nature Festival – Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Adelaide, SA
SHARE Youth Arts Exhibition, Online
20x20x20 2nd Year UniSA Contemporary Art Prize Exhibition – UniSA City West, Adelaide, SA
HAPTIC 2nd Year AC-Arts Visual Art Student Exhibition – Adelaide College of the Arts, Adelaide, SA
Awards & Grants
2023
British School at Rome Residency (Helpmann Academy)
Adelaide Fringe Artist Grant
2022
City Rural Insurance/Helpmann Development Award
David Baker Innovation Award
Helpmann Academy People’s Choice Award (Jointly)
FELTspace Graduate Award
2021
Carclew Fellowship
The Advertiser Tertiary Art Student Award SALA (Finalist)
University Merit Award in the Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences
2020
University Merit Award in the Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences
Adelaide Fringe Festival’s South Australian Artists COVID Support Grant in proxy for Vertical Insanity Circus’ 2021 production “Line of Sight”
UniSA International Travel Grant
2019
University Merit Award in the Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences
Professional Development
2023
Dance Hub SA Residency
British School at Rome (Helpmann Academy)
2022
Mentorship with Ida Sophia – Performance Artist (FELTspace Graduate Award)
Mentorship with Jascha Boyce from Gravity and Other Myths and Pulsing Heart (Carclew Fellowship)
Dance Hub SA Residency
Goodwood Institute Theater and Studios Residency
CRAM Artist Residency
2021
Co-President UniSA Graduate Exhibition Committee
Queens Theatre Resident Artist (X-mas Markets)
Jam Factory Assistant Volunteer
Australian Partner Acrobatic Convention
Royal Croquet Club Adelaide, Artist Residency
2019
MAKE SPACE National Youth Art summit
Performance | Circus & Dance
2023
An Artist & An Acrobat (Sam Matthewman) Adelaide Fringe Festival *Weekly Award (Best Circus)
Cake (Cake) Adelaide Fringe Festival
X (Dance Hub SA) Adelaide Fringe Festival *Weekly Award (Best Dance)
Whispers Down the Lane (Chloe Moir) Adelaide Fringe Festival *Weekly Award (Best Dance)
2022
X (Dance Hub SA) Lion Arts Centre
2021
Renegade (Gravity and Other Myths) The Forge
Line of Sight (Vertical Insanity Circus) Adelaide Fringe Festival
2019
Hand in Hand (Vertical Insanity Circus) Adelaide Fringe Festival *Category Winner (Best Emerging Artist)
The Otherworld: Elements (OLIO Circus) Adelaide Fringe Festival
Dystopia (CirqueAxe) Adelaide Guitar Festival
2018
Hand in Hand (Vertical Insanity Circus) Adelaide Fringe Festival & Perth Fringe Festival
Cirque Nocturne (Cirque Nocturne) Adelaide Fringe Festival & Mt Gambier Fringe Festival
Untangling Frailty (Potential Kinetics Theatre) “Perform Your Science” National Science Week *First Place
2017
High Tea with Burl Esque (Vertical Insanity Circus) Adelaide Fringe Festival
Try Again (Vertical Insanity Circus) Adelaide Fringe Festival (Premiered in 2016)
Cirque Nocturne (Cirque Nocturne) Adelaide Fringe Festival
Hoopla International (Street Show) Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Note: All Vertical Insanity Circus productions in addition to performing Sam is a Co-creator, Co-producer and Co-director.