“I’m the star of my life!”

There’s something of a contrast between Samuel’s eccentric universe and the solemnity of his creative approach. Like the samurai, one of the major figures in his pantheon, he applies rigor to his work, meticulousness to the management of his environment. He needs to make his space his own, to the point of turning it into a sanctuary at the center of which he sits enthroned, unruffled. Yet he greets every visitor with a smile, proud of the interest he arouses. He takes great pleasure in presenting his work, citing his sources of inspiration and guiding them through this pavilion, which is as structured as it is abundant. We quickly understand his attraction to the sacred and mythological. From Japan, where he has visited twice, he reproduces calligraphy, kimonos, temples, Buddhas, dragons, samurai and geishas. What’s more, he loves women: sexy, provocative, rock’n’roll in their posture, passionate in their kisses. And recently, it’s Egyptian iconography that he’s chosen to appropriate, once again fascinated by places of worship and emblematic iconic figures. 

Samuel’s obvious attraction to extravagance, pop culture and idols is also expressed in a textile version. He revamps recycled clothing to his liking, with brief stylistic interventions and, above all, drawings of his favorite subjects. This has attracted the attention and interest of designers such as Jean-Pol Lespagnard, Moolinex and Lara Lancereau Jaulin.

His role as trumpet player in the group Katabanga means that he lives out this “star attitude” to the full, under the spotlights, in front of the audience he loves to fire up. Because Samuel loves to express himself, whatever the means, whatever the discipline. His role as an artist is very important to him, and allows him to assert his identity. This total commitment has made him one of Creahm’s leading figures, a singular personality who never ceases to amaze us.

Gaëtan Lino – November 2021