Sam Cranstoun

Through the use of drawing, painting, video, sculpture and installation, Sam Cranstoun’s practice examines the way we rely on narrative to make sense of the world and our place within it. His research-driven projects often focus on obscure or overlooked historical narratives, considering the way contemporary image culture shapes both individual and collective understandings of the past. Drawing from a variety of archival sources, both virtual and physical, Cranstoun’s chosen reference material grapples with the simultaneous forlornness and optimism of the present moment.

Cranstoun’s work is held in private and public collections, including the University of Queensland Art Museum, Queensland University of Technology Art Museum, The Museum of Brisbane and Artbank. In 2018 Cranstoun presented a solo show at the Museum of Brisbane, created a large-scale installation for the National in 2019, held at Carriageworks, and in 2020 presented a solo exhibition at the UQ Art Museum. In 2023 an ambitious mid-career survey of Cranstoun’s work was held at the University of the Sunshine Coast Art Gallery, as well as a permanent public work for the South Bank Cultural Precinct in Brisbane.

Later this year, Cranstoun will publish a major monograph, detailing the first ten years of his practice. Cranstoun is represented by Milani Gallery in Brisbane, and Sullivan and Strumpf.