Virus Portraits (2004/2011)
This body of work explores the anatomical relationship between viruses and humans. By attaching themselves to human cells, viruses become parasites, dependent upon humans to exist. These portraits of imagined viruses use the trope of the traditional sculpted bust, with the illusionistic three-dimensional rendering of a drawn portrait. While drawn by hand, the portraits reference both the tradition of crosshatched drawings and computer mapping capabilities. The graphite's impermanence suggests the potential for change inherent in the virus itself and by those infected by it.
"Virus Portrait IV," 2004/11. Graphite on layered drafting film, artist frame. 11 x 14 in. / 28 x 35.6 cm.
"Virus Portrait III," 2004/11. Graphite on layered drafting film, artist frame. 11 x 14 in. / 28 x 35.6 cm.
"Virus Portrait I," 2004/11. Graphite on layered drafting film, artist frame. 11 x 14 in. / 28 x 35.6 cm.
"Virus Portrait II," 2004/11. Graphite on layered drafting film, artist frame. 11 x 14 in. / 28 x 35.6 cm.
Aggregations (2012)
This work has its roots in scientific illustration and collection and begins with a non-objective organic drawing. Having a central radius, their complete forms evolve from the mirroring of the forms half. This aggregation or accumulation of related forms resides between the psychological inkblot, mirrored behaviors, and the bilateral symmetry inherent in natural forms, which range from the simplest single-celled protozoa, to the complexity of the human body - its parts and its whole. Light and the suggestion of the lens are enhanced through the use of layered and cut translucent drafting film.
"Aggregation I," 2012. Prismacolor and graphite on layered drafting film. 42 x 54 in. / 106.7 x 137.2 cm.
"Aggregation II," 2012. Prismacolor and graphite on layered drafting film. 42 x 54 in. / 106.7 x 137.2 cm.
"Aggregation III," 2012. Prismacolor and graphite on layered drafting film. 42 x 54 in. / 106.7 x 137.2 cm.
Detail of "Aggregation II," 2012.
Detail of "Aggregation III," 2012.
Detail of "Aggregation I," 2012.
Reflecting Pool: Beautiful Viruses (2011)
This work features translucent pulp drawings of viruses, floating within an illuminated “reflecting pool.” Samour’s environment invites the contemplation of many of the issues surrounding the deadly array of viruses that are present in our contemporary world. Efforts to control their spread; the control of mass hysteria; the creation of vaccinations; and the political, social and economic factors that surround their development are some of the concerns that influenced the piece.
Installation view of "Reflecting Pool," 2011. Pigmented abaca fiber, two-layered light box. 42 x 120 in. / 106.68 x 304.8 cm.
Installation view of "Reflecting Pool," 2011.
Overhead view of "Reflecting Pool," 2011.
Detail of "Reflecting Pool," 2011.
Detail of "Reflecting Pool," 2011.
Detail of "Reflecting Pool," 2011.