Lisson Gallery Artist Sarah Cunningham Official Missing Person File Opened
November 3, 2024 • Spread the word —
The brother of 31-year-old British artist Sarah Cunningham has made a public request for help after she vanished in the early morning hours of November 2. Anthony Cunningham turned to X, previously known as Twitter, to ask for assistance in finding her. He stated, "My sister has been missing since 2:30 am on Saturday in Camden. The last sighting was when she left the apartment building on Jamestown Road, dressed in all black. If anyone has any information, please reach out to me or the police. She has now been officially reported as missing."
The Metropolitan Police quickly launched an investigation into her disappearance and provided details about her appearance and clothing. Officials have stated that they are actively seeking her and are asking anyone with information to contact the police at 101, referencing CAD 2349/02Nov. On November 3 at 2:06 pm, Camden Police posted on X, reaching out for assistance in locating her. As more information about her disappearance came to light, members of London's art community united to aid in the search for the artist.
Sarah has gained significant recognition, and her artwork is featured at the Lisson Gallery, renowned for championing up-and-coming and mid-career artists. Her artistic approach is deeply inspired by natural environments and flowing, organic shapes, establishing her as a prominent talent both locally and globally. Gallery owners and fellow artists have come together to help in the search for her. The Reclaim Our Streets campaign, which works to combat violence against women and girls, is also involved, urging its followers to spread the word about Sarah's situation.
Sarah has connections to Camden and Wandsworth. She has an impressive artistic background, having earned a Master's degree from the Royal College of Art, received the esteemed Ali H. Alkazzi Scholarship Award, and completed a residency in Panama, where she conducted research with the Kuna community.
Sarah's artwork, featuring ethereal scenes and lively colors, presents a unique perspective on how nature intertwines with human experience. She likens her painting journey to “wild swimming,” embracing the idea that each creation immerses itself in light, texture, and scenery. Her free-spirited approach to painting, which often includes working at night to forge a deeper connection with her art, has established her as a distinctive figure in the modern art world. She draws inspiration from a range of sources, including literature, mythology, dream imagery, and the interplay of light in film and photography. Sarah refers to her artistic process as “excavation,” where she uncovers recurring dreams and subconscious landscapes.
On her Royal College webpage, Lucille Clifton shares an insightful poem that carries a prophetic message.
"I found my way to this bridge that connects the twinkling stars and the earthy ground."
One hand firmly gripping, the other inviting you to join me in celebration. Each day, I face challenges that attempt to bring me down.
"And has not succeeded." – Lucille Clifton
The vanishing of Sarah has left the London art scene reeling. Her family, along with the Metropolitan Police, is urging anyone who has seen her or knows anything about her whereabouts to step forward with any information that could aid in her recovery. This situation has united the artistic community, who are rallying their support and spreading the word in hopes of bringing her home safely.
Lisson Gallery, an exhibition featuring the work of the absent artist, Sarah Cunningham.
