Open Fridays presents ‘300 Paintings’ with Sam Kissajukian

RemembeR lockdown?

People coped in different ways whether that be baking sourdough bread, exercising, reorganising the house, bingeing shows on TV or tapping into their creative side. Well, in his five months of isolation, comedian Sam Kissajukian created 300 paintings! Imagine being in lockdown and entering an altered mental state, which would ultimately lead to the creation of 300 paintings. This was the reality for Sam Kissajukian, an awardwinning comedian with over a decade of experience on stage.

The culmination of this experience is a unique performance installation offering, where live comedy meets visual art exhibition, and audiences are invited to experience this insight into the brain and experience of Sam, and a comedian’s take on art, the artistic process, mental health and its ties to creativity.

‘300 Paintings’ was the winner of the 2022 Sydney Fringe Festival Award for ‘best Comedy’ and ‘Directors Choice Award’. It was also nominated for five other awards at the 2022 Sydney Fringe Festival, including ‘best Spoken Word’ and four touring awards.

Sam has been working professionally as a stand-up comedian for 10 years.

He has toured globally in the USA, UK, europe and all around Australia. Recently, he had a breakout year as a visual artist. Within three months of going public with his art, he had numerous acquisitions by international collectors, received extensive media coverage about his art, exhibitions at 107 Projects and a solo exhibition in Perth where 25 of his works were later acquired by City of Perth to display on LCD screens for the month of August.

ABOUT OPEN FRIDAYS - On

Friday nights, The Joan’s borland Lounge comes to life. Pop in for a drink, some nibbles and some easy entertainment. From local musicians, to art classes, community projects, cabaret and theatre, trivia and games; there’s a great mix of fun on offer. The bar opens from 5pm. Open Fridays: ‘300 Paintings’ by Sam Kissajukian is on at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Friday 26 may 2023, 6pm. Tickets: Standard $16. www.thejoan.com.au/events/300paintings/