ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Sarah Cunningham Retrospective Opens at Nottingham Contemporary Through 2027

exhibition · 2026-08-26

Nottingham Contemporary is currently showcasing a significant retrospective of Sarah Cunningham, named "Sarah Cunningham: Midnight Sun," which will be open until January 10th, 2027. The artist, originally from Nottingham, passed away in 2024 at the age of 31. Known for her imaginative wilderness and forest scenes, Cunningham's work featured dynamic expressionistic brushwork that captured nature's intensity. In 2019, she served as a gallery assistant at Nottingham Contemporary, the venue now presenting her retrospective. Co-curated by Katie Simpson, who had a personal relationship with Cunningham, the exhibition includes shared memories from colleagues. Simpson characterized Cunningham as a powerful, articulate, and compassionate individual who sought to highlight the world's beauty, celebrating her vibrant creativity and ties to her hometown.

Key facts

  • Sarah Cunningham died in 2024 at age 31.
  • She was born in Nottingham.
  • She was part of The Artsy Vanguard 2023–24.
  • Her retrospective, "Sarah Cunningham: Midnight Sun," is at Nottingham Contemporary through January 10th, 2027.
  • Cunningham worked as a gallery assistant at Nottingham Contemporary in 2019.
  • The exhibition is co-curated by Katie Simpson.
  • Simpson described Cunningham as strong headed, articulate, kind, spiritual, and compassionate.
  • Cunningham's art features fantastical wildernesses and forestscapes made with sweeping expressionistic brushstrokes.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

Locations

  • Nottingham
  • United Kingdom
  • London
  • Los Angeles
  • New York
  • Panama
  • Chalk Farm
  • Wollaton Park
  • Aspen
  • Berlin
  • Seoul
  • Vancouver

Sources