Sam Martin’s practice uses painting as a platform to test the order and location of things. The pictures are created over a number of years. Within the studio environment, each piece undergoes a process of rigorous experimentation - splicing together elements of repetition, circumstance and decoration. Found materials are combined with labour intensive craft and the picture plane reconciles every decision for the viewer. The final outcome is arrived at rather than determined. Martin’s pieces are like jewels, complete in their uniqueness.

Martin has exhibited extensively in Australia, including significant curated group exhibitions Painting, More Painting, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Melbourne (2016) and Haus Werk: The Bauhaus in contemporary art, McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery, Victoria (2019). Martin has been a finalist in the R & M McGivern Prize (2019); Sunshine Coast Art Prize (2019); Geelong Contemporary Art Prize (2022, 2018); Darebin Art Prize (2017); and Churchie Emerging Art Award (2015).