British abstract artist Sarah Cunningham in her painting studio with some of her paintings. Photo: Magda Kuczmik, Fabula. Image courtesy of Lisson Gallery.  

From Loughborough to London, British abstract artist Sarah Cunningham tragically passed away in London at the height of her career. Although her journey ended too soon, her artistic legacy and life live on.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

Sarah Cunningham, a talented and innovative British abstract artist, tragically passed away after being reported missing in London earlier this month. The news of her death has shocked the art world, where she was known for her captivating and emotionally resonant abstract landscapes. In this tribute, we explore Cunningham’s life, her artistic journey, and the details surrounding her sudden disappearance.

Sarah Cunningham’s Disappearance and Death

Sarah Cunningham, 31, was last seen early on the morning of November 2, 2024, in Camden, North London. The Lisson Gallery, which represented her, confirmed her disappearance on social media, urging anyone with information to contact the London Metropolitan Police. Cunningham was reportedly wearing a black top, skirt, and black Converse trainers at the time.

On November 4, the Camden Police reported finding a woman’s body on the tracks at Chalk Farm station. The body matched Cunningham’s description. The police initially found the circumstances of her death unclear. However, they have stated that they do not consider the death suspicious at this stage.

Lisson Gallery officially confirmed Cunningham’s passing on November 5. In a tribute posted to Instagram, the gallery expressed their deep sorrow, describing Sarah as an “incredibly talented, intelligent, and original artist,” whose works captured the raw power of human emotion and nature.

British Abstract Artist Sarah Cunningham: Artistic Journey

Sarah Cunningham’s art was characterized by its abstraction of natural landscapes. Her work often explored themes of transformation, creating images that seemed to dissolve and re-form within the space of the canvas. She depicted forests, mountains, and bodies of water in abstract forms. Her use of vibrant color contrasts challenged the viewer to reconsider the boundaries between representation and abstraction.

Born in Nottingham, England, in 1993, Sarah Cunningham pursued her passion for art despite initial opposition from her family. She studied at Loughborough University and later completed her Master’s in Painting at the Royal College of Art in London, where she received the prestigious Ali H. Alkazzi Scholarship Award. During her time at the Royal College, Cunningham’s abstract works began to attract attention, ultimately leading to her inclusion in group art exhibitions across Europe and North America.

International Exhibitions and Artistic Recognition

Throughout her career, Cunningham’s art was in numerous important galleries across the globe. Her works were in exhibitions at Almine Rech Gallery in Aspen, Max Hetzler in Berlin, and CICA Vancouver, among others. One of her notable exhibitions was the group show Accordion Fields at Lisson Gallery in London in 2023.

Her first solo show at Lisson Gallery’s Los Angeles location in 2023 was met with critical acclaim. The exhibition, titled The Crystal Forest, showcased her signature style, blending elements of the natural world with abstract forms that invite the viewer to question the perception of reality itself.

Her Creative Process

Cunningham’s artistic practice was unconventional, often involving a process that was as much about exploration as it was about creation. She painted on large canvases, sometimes laying them flat on the floor, allowing her to work from above and engage with the material in an intimate way. The use of linen and cotton for her canvases was part of her deliberate approach to texture and form, adding to the tactile nature of her work.

Her paintings were not the result of careful planning but instead spontaneous expressions of emotion. In an interview with Artsy, Cunningham described her approach: “I’m dealing with representation, and I’m trying to rethink what we mean it to be. I create this sense of place only to tear it down and rebuild it again.”

The La Wayaka Residency

A significant turning point in Cunningham’s artistic development came in 2018. This was when she participated in the La Wayaka Current Artist Residency in Panama. Immersed in the lush forests of the Guna Yala province, she worked closely with the indigenous Guna people. The residency deeply influenced her artistic style, pushing her to explore the intersection of dreams, reality, and nature.

This experience led to a shift in her approach to painting. She began to create abstract landscapes that reflected the fluidity of the natural world. Cunningham often spoke about the importance of immediacy in her work—capturing fleeting moments of inspiration before they could slip away.

In 2022, the year she graduated with a Master’s degree from the Royal College of Art, she had her first solo exhibition in New York at Almine Rech Gallery. The show sold out before the opening. Following this success, Lisson Gallery added her to their roster, helping to elevate her profile further in the international art scene.

Her 2023 solo exhibition, The Crystal Forest, at Lisson Gallery in London solidified her place among the leading contemporary abstract painters. The exhibition marked a significant milestone in her career. Cunningham’s work continued to evolve. Many of her pieces explored the relationship between the body, the mind, and the environment.

Cunningham’s Personal Philosophy and Legacy

In interviews, Sarah Cunningham often spoke about her art as a form of self-exploration. She once explained, “Both looking at and making art, it’s a way of processing my life. It makes me feel that my life is a part of this universe.” Her work reflects this philosophy. In her paintings, she sought to express the complex interplay between inner emotional landscapes and the external natural world.

Her untimely passing leaves a void in the art world. Cunningham was not only an emerging talent but also an artist with a unique voice and an expansive vision. Her innovative use of color, texture, and form will continue to inspire future generations of artists.

British Abstract Artist Sarah Cunningham: A Tragic Loss

The tragic death of Sarah Cunningham has left a profound impact on the art world. Her work, which blends abstraction with deeply personal themes, will remain a testament to her artistic vision and unique perspective. As we reflect on her life and legacy, Cunningham’s contributions to contemporary art remind us of the power of art to transform, challenge, and connect us to something greater than ourselves.