Artist Bio
Sam B. Kennedy (b. 1994) is an emerging artist from Surrey, most known for her vibrant mixed media paintings which balance elements of nature, chaos, structure, and tension. Inspired by the beauty and complexity of the world around us, Kennedy employs a distinctly 21st-century approach, merging traditional oil painting techniques with contemporary street art influences.
Born in Surrey, England, Kennedy studied at the Arts University Bournemouth from 2012-2015, and then at the University of Reading from 2018-2018. Kennedy’s work in art education has not only inspired her students but also enriched her own creative practice, leading her to explore various disciplines, including ceramics, textiles, and photography.
Last year, Kennedy was a finalist for SAA’s 2023 ‘Artist of the Year’ competition for her piece ‘In A Pinch’, which was showcased in London’s Espacio Gallery alongside the other shortlisted artists. Sam B. Kennedy has been announced as a finalist again for SAA’s 2024 ‘Artist of the Year’ award, this time for the piece ‘London Calling’. The Royal Society of British Artists named Kennedy a semi-finalist for the 2023 RBA Rome Scholarship and had her painting ‘Two for Joy’ displayed in the ‘RBA Rising Stars’ exhibition at the Royal Overseas League, London.
The artist’s work is in private collections in the United Kingdom and Spain. Kennedy has featured in both solo and group exhibitions, including at the Holy Art Gallery, London; Espacio Gallery, London; The Royal Overseas League, London; Boomer Gallery, London; and Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking. Since 2018, Sam B. Kennedy has lived and worked in Woking, Surrey.
CV
Sam B. Kennedy
Born in 1994 in Surrey, UK.
Resides and works in Surrey, UK.
Education
2012-2015. BA (Hons) Costume with Performance Design. Arts University Bournemouth, UK.
2017-2018. PGCE (with QTS) in Secondary Art & Design. University of Reading, UK.
Selected exhibitions and residencies
2024 ‘Artist in the Window’ residency. Art and Grind, Guildford, UK.
Selected works (rolling exhibition). Art and Grind, Guildford, UK.
‘Dreamscapes’ (group exhibition). The Holy Art Gallery, London, UK.
‘More than One Seat’ (group exhibition). Stokey Pop Up, London, UK.
2023 ‘SAA Artist of the Year’ (group exhibition). Espacio Gallery, London, UK.
‘RBA Rising Stars’ (group exhibition). Royal Overseas League, London, UK.
‘What is Art?’ (group exhibition). Boomer Gallery, London, UK.
Selected works (solo exhibition). The Hideaway Cafe, Guildford, UK.
‘First for Art’ (group exhibition). Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, UK.
‘Shades of Red’ (group exhibition). Fox Yard Studios, Stowmarket, UK.
2022 ‘First for Art’ (group exhibition). Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, UK.
‘The Vision Project’ (group exhibition). The Lightbox, Woking, UK.
Selected collections
Sam B. Kennedy is collected by various private collectors in the United Kingdom and Spain.
Awards
2024 ‘Artist of the Year’ (finalist). Supporting All Artists, London, UK.
‘BTA Art Prize (longlist). Behind The Artist, UK.
2023 ‘RBA Rising Stars’ (semi-finalist). Royal Society of British Artists, London, UK.
‘Artist of the Year’ (finalist). Supporting All Artists, London, UK.
‘The Art of Collages’ (winner). Artrepreneur, UK.
Selected press & publications
Lisa Raine,”What is Punk?” in Anarkiss Zine (2024) [included in]
Jyotiee Balanie, “In conversation with Sam Kennedy” in The Best Address online resource (published in 2023) at [https://www.thebestaddress.co/in-conversation-with-sam-kennedy/] [contributor]
Ulrike Nina Siedel, “Sam B. Kennedy” in SuboArt Magazine (2023) [contributor]
Grant Milne, “Sam B. Kennedy, Two for Joy” in Artist Talk Magazine (2023) [contributor]
RBA, “The RBA Rising Stars 2023” in Royal Society of British Artists Bicentennial Exhibition (exhibition catalogue) (2023) [included in]
Boomer Gallery, What is Art? Sixth Edition (exhibition catalogue) (2023) [included in]
SAA, “30-minute painting challenge’ in Paint & Create Magazine (2022) [contributor]
Professional contributions
2022-2024. Teacher of Art & Photography. LVS Ascot, Berkshire, UK.
2018-2022. Teacher of Art. Hoe Valley School, Surrey, UK.
2015-2018. Freelance Scenographer (Costume & Set Design, Stage Manager). Regional and national projects, UK.