Sahara Longe's first institutional solo exhibition at Arnolfini presents 'The Other Side of the Mountain,' featuring semi-abstract works that delve into personal memories and experiences. Influenced by Doris Lessing's 'The Golden Notebook,' Longe's paintings reflect on her childhood in Clapham while incorporating contemporary themes of family and the nature of remembrance. The artworks, varying from intimate portraits to expansive compositions, use a jewel-like palette developed from classical training. Longe’s compositions resonate with themes of intersecting dreams and realities, revealing dialogues among past, present, and future selves.
The exhibition weaves together memories from her early childhood in Clapham with contemporary reflections on family, changing circumstances and the nature of remembrance itself.
Longe's evocative use of colour stems from her classical portraiture training at Florence's Charles H. Cecil Studios, where she was restricted to working with just five colours.
Some paintings capture literal memories - the conspiratorial conversations of schoolgirls in woollen jumpers and plaid skirts - whilst others draw from deeply personal references.
Much like Lessing's fifth golden notebook, where these stories converge, Longe creates compositions where past, present and future selves coexist and engage in dialogue.
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