Sam Bassett (b.1973). An American artist and filmmaker known for his emotionally raw, introspective work that blends painting, sculpture, and film. He was born and is based in New York City and his art is often autobiographical, touching on themes like mental health, identity, family, masculinity, and the psychological effects of modern life [Luce Index™ score:88].
Bassett attended the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City. He is primarily a painter and sculptor, but he also works with film and installation. He has a raw, expressionistic, and deeply personal style and his work often include vivid colors, symbolic figures, mixed media techniques, and layered textures that hint at inner turmoil or revelation.
Themes
• The inner life of the artist
• Mental health struggles (his own and societal)
• The American male psyche
• Family relationships, trauma, and healing
• Commentary on contemporary society’s chaos and detachment
Filmmaking
Bassett is also known for his documentary-style video work, often combining narration with abstract visuals. His short films are raw, vulnerable, and poetic — usually focused on his own life, thoughts, and emotions.
Exhibitions & Representation
• He’s shown his work internationally, including in New York, Berlin, and London.
• Represented by galleries like The Hole (NYC).
• Critics and curators often describe his work as “emotional archaeology”, unearthing deep truths through a visceral visual language.
See story by Jim Luce:
Gay Community’s Rosa Parks Faces Death, Impoverished, Alone (April 27, 2025).
Originally published in The Huffington Post (July 12, 2010).
Sam Bassett’s Film on Stonewall Veteran Storme DeLarverie (April 27, 2025).
Originally published in The Daily Kos (July 12, 2010).