Strangely enough, it was only at last years 615 Studios group show that I had my first chance to really check out some of Sam Octigans work in person – and what I saw left me wishing I had a pile of his work up on my walls.

Grandly enough, Sam has a show opening this week at the Just Another Project Space in Prahran, and it looks to be a real beauty of a show.

“Just Another Project Space is proud to present What You Can’t Forget, an exhibition of painted works on canvas by Melbourne artist Sam Octigan. Following up his debut 2012 solo show ‘Of Two Minds’, the exhibition will feature larger works on canvas as well as a site-specific mural installation.

In this body of work, Octigan examines the idea of history repeating itself, the ways in which we subconsciously cling to certain moments in our lives and how these experiences underwrite the way we see things like certainty, truth, justice, faith and love. Even after having acknowledged the fallibility of these experiences. We feel ourselves acting out based on impressions we take on as children, only half aware as adults, of how these experiences are hard-written into our consciousness.

We grasp at them, as if attempting to solve a riddle, as they fall in and out of the ether. Life remains cyclical. Doors are opened and closed, wires connect and disconnect, memories surface and disappear.

These themes are represented in each work visually, through Octigan’s use of composition, line, color and contrast. Featuring detailed realistic renderings framed with dynamic abstractions and an emphasis placed on composition, the paintings read almost as visual riddles, compelling the viewer to engage, and connect their own dots. What You Can’t Forget show’s Octigan’s growth and current focus as an artist, with both the works visual and conceptual increasing complexity.

The opening reception of ‘What You Can’t Forget’ takes place on the 10th of April, 6pm at Just Another Project Space, 153 Greville St Prahran and runs until the 27th April”

Just take a few minutes out to check out this video preview of the entire show …

SAM OCTIGAN – What You Cant Forget from Michael Danischewski on Vimeo.

After seeing all these preview images, if we weren’t looking forward to this show already, we’re doubly looking forward to it now – see you all there!

Who: Sam Octigan
What: What you Cant Forget solo show
Where: Just Another Project Space, 153 Greville St Prahran, Melbourne
When: Show opens Thursday April 10th from 6pm til 9pm and runs until 27th of April

Check Sam Octigan as well as the out the Facebook event page for more info on the show!