Unseen Paintings | Keith Cunningham
Cunningham, who passed away in 2014 aged 85, was a contemporary of Frank Auerbach and Leon Kossoff at the Royal College of Art in the mid-1950s, where his work was praised by John Minton (1917 - 1957) who described him as 'one of the most gifted painters to have worked at the Royal College'. On graduating from the college in 1956, Cunningham exhibited at the Royal Academy and the Beaux Arts Gallery - then one of the most influential galleries in London - at the invitation of its director, Helen Lessore (19o7 - 1994). His work was shown twice with the prestigious London Group, where it was singled out by The Times art critic for its power and suggestive presence; meanwhile, The Jewish Chronicle spoke of the intense yet controlled atmosphere of his work. While he was supported by influential collectors of the time, such as Hans and Elsbeth Juda, as well as public institutions in the UK and abroad, in 1967 Cunningham declined all further invitations to exhibit. Instead he pursued a highly successful career as a graphic designer. He continued painting, visiting his studio every day.This exhibition, the first of a series that are planned, focuses on three bodies of work. In the gallery's first room are two suites of paintings which have been titled 'Heads' and 'Skulls'. Cunningham did not identify the subjects of the former - he did not use sitters, preferring instead to sketch people around London while on the bus or sitting in cafes. The influence of Rembrandt is evident in these works, not just in the somber colour palette, but also by their intensity. They are all deeply psychological, evoking a raw humanity that in some works is harrowing.
Keith Cunningham - Unseen Paintings 1954-1960
Hoxton Gallery | 59 Old Street | London | EC1V 9HX
September 30th - October 13th 2016
Private View: Thursday September 29th, 6 - 8.30pm