Tug of War Boats

SAM MATHERS (NZ)
Tug of War Boats, 2025
acrylic and oil on board 
1000 x 1000 mm

This artwork can be shipped overseas please get in touch here for a shipping quote

 My work blends fun, quirkiness, and dreamlike elements, offering a playful twist on reality. Inspired by everyday life and the endless possibilities of what could be, while also finding beauty in the most simplest of things. By using bold, bright colours, I aim to engage viewers and spark thought, inviting them to explore a world where imagination and reality intersect.

Tug of War Boats: This fictional painting portrays a dreamlike scene beneath the night sky, where two vibrant, psychedelic boats are locked in a tug-of-war with their propellers. Their luminous colours shimmer across the water, while the surrounding boats look on, witnessing the contest to determine which is the strongest vessel at sea.

Sam Mathers Bio:

Sam Mathers- a New Zealand artist with paint on his hands and salt in his veins. Born and raised in the laid-back surf town of Raglan, Sam’s work is a colourful mash-up of coastal life, wild landscapes, and the weird and wonderful people he meets along the way.
His style? Playful, bold, abstract, and always unmistakably his own. Think bright colours, big energy, and a whole lot of heart.

After spending time overseas collecting stories & inspiration, Sam came home and kicked off his art career with a bang. At his first solo show in 2011, none other than Saatchi & Saatchi’s Art Director Antonio Navas walked in, loved what he saw, and commissioned Sam to paint a massive mural for the agency’s foyer which launched Sam into life as a full-time artist—and he’s never looked back.

Twelve years later, Sam’s work has evolved immensely not only in galleries, homes, and public spaces . He juggles exhibitions, commissions (both personal and commercial), and the occasional surf check—all while staying true to his roots and sense of fun.
Whether it’s a wall, a canvas, or anything in between, Sam brings the same energy to everything he touches: bold, joyful, and full of stories.