'300 Paintings' review — comedian-turned-artist tests the limits of creativity
Read our review of 300 Paintings off Broadway, the U.S. premiere of the solo show written and performed by Australian comedian and visual artist Sam Kissajukian.
A hanging screen, a glass of water, and a clicker are the only props Sam Kissajukian requires for his self-created, one-man show 300 Paintings at Vineyard Theatre. Appearing at first as a low-energy stand-up set, the performance finds its footing the moment Kissajukian clicks to the first slide on the PowerPoint, revealing a painting — then another, and another. The slideshow spans nearly all 300 large-scale works he created during an extended manic bipolar episode in 2021.
The TED Talk–esque presentation is punctuated with quick-witted commentary debunking Big Tech and hedge funds, but the sharpest critiques are reserved for the art world, which Kissajukian lovingly challenges. The heart of the show beats steadily throughout: the fine line between artistic drive and mental collapse. The latter is framed in a gentle yet firm manner. “Don’t feel sorry for me — I’m here, aren’t I?” he tells the audience during the opening monologue.
It is only when the slideshow begins that we discover reasons to feel sorry for Kissajukian, but even then, it is hard to pity someone victorious. True to his word, the fact he is standing in an Off-Broadway theatre, recounting this life-altering experience, is nothing short of miraculous.
By the end of the show, when Kissajukian has detailed his creative solitude, business meetings, and tremendous journey, the audience is charmed, intrigued, and primed for a Q&A session at the end — which, unlike at most presentations, does not come.
Perhaps this is why the show is so surprising: it’s not, well, showy. In a rare moment of theatrical sentiment, Kissajukian closes the performance with an ode to endings and a cheeky but fitting request: “I’ll do an industry-standard bow, and you can decide what happens next.”
300 Paintings summary
The U.S. premiere of 300 Paintings brings Sydney-based Australian comedian Sam Kissajukian’s show to New York. After winning Best Comedy and the Director's Choice Award at the 2022 Sydney Fringe Festival, the one-man show had a sold-out run at the iconic 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where it earned the Lustrum Award for Outstanding Show.
This autobiographical production centers Kissajukian and his journey of creating 300 paintings during a manic bipolar episode in 2021. Through whip-smart humor, introspection, and reflection, 300 Paintings dives into the necessity, and limits, of creativity through the best and most perilous moments of life.
What to expect at 300 Paintings
300 Paintings is an 80-minute play with no intermission. The story sits at the crossroads of stand-up, documentary, and soliloquy, blending the three into a unique theatre experience.
The success of the show is tethered to the audience and their acceptance of the quirky style. Kassajukian addresses this early on by extending a warm welcome to the artists peppered throughout the crowd, gauging the temperature of the room, which steadily warms. Kassajukian ultimately invites the audience to connect with him over email or in person in the lobby afterward.
Come prepared to stay for at least 10 minutes after the show to view Kassajukian’s art, on display at the theatre. While you’ll notice it upon entering, the production provides deeper context for how unique these works are.
What audiences are saying about 300 Paintings
As of publication, 300 Paintings received a 79% audience approval rating on the site Show-Score, compiled from 64 reviews.
- “Very funny and surprisingly wonderful. See it if you love art and the art world and you want a great perspective on mental illness. It's stand-up-adjacent and a fun night out.” - Show-Score user RedBird
- “A thrilling 80 min of storytelling. Deeply personal and feels freshly told even though the whole show is direct address. Loved seeing something with a different form!” -Show Score user Maddy 4323
- "77/100 Sam, a former stand-up comic, tells his story very well. He's insightful, honest, funny about his mental illness (bipolar disease), his art, and his business ideas. And his artwork--shown on a big screen and on the theater walls--is fascinating. The piece isn't terribly theatrical, but it is a good deal more engaging than a lot of solo shows.” - Show-Score user TheaterBuff
Read more audience reviews of 300 Paintings on Show-Score.
Who should see 300 Paintings
- See the show if you’re a fan of fine art or want to learn about master painters like Van Gosh, whom Kissajukian references throughout.
- If you enjoy stand-up comedy and you’re keen to experience a unique interpretation of the genre, this is one for you.
- For anyone who wants to understand more about bipolar disorder, this is an educational yet entertaining way to familiarize yourself with it through a theatrical medium.
- See it if you like quick-witted intellectual narratives that keep you on your toes.
Learn more about 300 Paintings off Broadway
300 Paintings is a compelling story of a Sydney artist who channels the intensity of a manic episode into a series of striking artworks that unravel a profound narrative about bipolar disorder and the pull of an artistic calling.
Photo credit: 300 Paintings off Broadway. (Photos by Carol Rosegg)
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