The art world was struck by tragedy with the untimely death of 31-year-old British painter Sarah Cunningham, whose abstract landscapes had begun to captivate audiences worldwide. Known for her bold, large-scale compositions and dynamic brushwork, Cunningham’s innovative approach to painting had earned her a rapidly growing reputation before her death.
Cunningham was found deceased early on November 4, 2024, after having been missing for two days following a night out with friends in London. Her body was discovered near Chalk Farm Underground Station in the borough of Camden, where she had last been seen around 2:30 a.m. on November 2, 2024. While the circumstances of her passing are under investigation, it is not believed to be suspicious at this time.

A Remarkable Artistic Journey: From Nottingham to International Recognition

Born in Nottingham, England, in 1993, Sarah Cunningham’s journey as an artist was one of both determination and passion. After graduating from Loughborough University in 2015, Cunningham faced the harsh realities of being an emerging artist, working multiple jobs to support her practice while relentlessly pursuing her creative vision. “All I could think about was painting,” she confessed in a 2022 interview with Cultured magazine, a sentiment that would define her relentless dedication to her craft.

A transformative residency in Panama at the La Wayaka Current program marked a pivotal turning point in Cunningham’s career. Immersed in the country’s vibrant culture and inspired by her interactions with the Indigenous Kuna people, her work began to evolve in both scale and emotional intensity. In 2019, Cunningham took the next step in her career by enrolling at the prestigious Royal College of Art in London. There, she honed her distinctive style and earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in 2022.

It was in the same year that Cunningham’s work first reached a wider international audience, with her debut solo exhibition at Almine Rech Gallery in New York. The show was a sell-out before it even opened, a rare feat that signaled her growing prominence in the global art scene. This success was followed by a solo show at London’s Lisson Gallery, where her abstract landscapes continued to resonate deeply with collectors and art lovers alike.

In August 2024, Cunningham’s second solo exhibition, Flight Paths, closed at Lisson Gallery’s Los Angeles location, cementing her place as one of the most exciting young artists of her generation. Her works are now held in important collections, including the Sprengel Family Collection in Hannover, Germany, and the Al Thani Collection in Qatar.

The Vision Behind Cunningham’s Work: Abstract Landscapes as Personal Journeys

Cunningham’s paintings were more than just abstract landscapes—they were meditative and personal explorations of space, movement, and emotion. “I imagine myself in flight when I am painting,” she once shared with Lisson Gallery ahead of her Los Angeles show. “I’m 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.”

Her ability to translate complex emotional and physical states into vivid, expansive compositions allowed viewers to form instant connections with her work. As Lisson Gallery so eloquently put it, “Sarah was an incredibly talented, intelligent, and original artist who we all called a friend. Her paintings were authentic, intuitive, and pure—qualities that mirrored Sarah’s own indomitable character.”

A Legacy Cut Short, But Never Forgotten

Though her life was tragically cut short, Sarah Cunningham’s artistic legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence generations of artists to come. Her work stands as a testament to the power of abstraction to convey deep emotional truths, and her commitment to her art will remain an example of the passion and perseverance that drives great artists.

Sarah Cunningham’s art continues to resonate with collectors, curators, and audiences worldwide. For those looking to experience her work firsthand, her exhibitions can still be viewed at Lisson Gallery and other galleries that feature contemporary abstract art. Her passing marks the loss of an extraordinary artist, but her vision will continue to shape the world of abstract painting for years to come.