“I imagine myself in flight when I am painting, scanning over the surface, searching for places to deep dive, touch down or lift off. The paintings are journeys between the space of my body and the space of the outside.”

– Sarah Cunningham

Lisson Gallery in Los Angeles becomes a stage for artistic flight as Sarah Cunningham unveils her debut solo exhibition, Flight Paths, running from June 20 to August 24, 2024. This showcase marks a pinnacle in Cunningham’s career, presenting a compelling collection that explores the intersections of movement, nature, and the human psyche through vibrant, dynamic paintings.

Born in Nottingham in 1993 and currently based in London, Cunningham is celebrated for her ability to capture the essence of life through imaginary landscapes and fluid forestscapes. Her canvases are kaleidoscopic realms where layers of radiating bursts of light, line, and color construct complex spatial narratives. Each painting evolves through a process of gestural marks and continual overpainting, revealing hidden worlds and inviting viewers to contemplate the intuitive connections between humanity and the natural environment.

The exhibition is anchored by the diptych Flight Path, a mesmerizing portrayal that defies gravity with swirling strokes that evoke both aerial vistas and deep-sea explorations. Cunningham’s artistic process is equally dynamic, incorporating unconventional techniques such as using rags to remove paint and manipulating canvases from different angles to push the boundaries of traditional painting.

The exhibition unfolds like a journey through time and light, beginning with the luminous hues of dawn in pieces like Sunrise with Spirits and transitioning into the tranquil, twilight tones of The Deepest Hour. This progression reflects Cunningham’s deep sensitivity to the transformative effects of light and its symbolic resonance within her work.

At the heart of Cunningham’s artistic exploration lies a spiritual dimension, where her paintings become portals to inner landscapes and cosmic realms. Works like Ghosts in the Throat delve into subconscious realms, blending outer landscapes with inner visions to evoke a sense of wonder and introspection.

Through Flight Paths, Sarah Cunningham invites viewers to embark on a sensory and emotional journey where reality merges with imagination. Her artworks not only captivate with their visual allure but also provoke profound contemplation on the interconnectedness of all living things.

As you experience the exhibition at Lisson Gallery, Los Angeles, prepare to be immersed in Cunningham’s daring artistic vision and innovative storytelling. Each painting invites you to soar alongside her, embracing the exhilarating freedom of flight and exploring the limitless possibilities of artistic expression.