Sam Shendi

He graduated from the Helwan University of Fine Arts in Cairo in 1997 with a first class honours degree in Sculpture and Architecture.

[2] Shendi's early work in bronze and stainless steel often explored notions of balance, joy and contentment.

[3] Shendi's recent semi-abstracted figures are made in rich curving colours with a wacky sense of fun.

[4] Although they have the sleek precision of mechanical production, each is hand-made using industrial, contemporary materials like car filler and spray-paint, and hours of manual sanding.

[5] Some figures are loosely human, others hybrid animal or bird, drawing on the art and architecture of his Egyptian background.