Sophie Vallance Cantor, born in 1993 in Stirling, Scotland, is currently based in London. She studied Foundation in Art and Design at the CCW Progression Centre and Painting at the Camberwell College of Arts.

 

Throughout her artistic practice, Vallance Cantor has been the architect of an entire cosmos in which the inner workings of her mind are constantly displayed, blurring the line between what is real and what is imaginary. Therefore, her paintings offer an ultimately personal approach, summoning the viewers and inviting them to see the world through her eyes; a universe where bright neon signs light up dark alleyways and domestic cats transform into wild beasts in 24-hour bars and cafés. Each of her paintings can be interpreted as a still from a film; the characters stare back at the viewer with a “cool” and detached feeling as they ride a motorcycle down an infinite highway or blow cigarette smoke while sipping a cocktail. Although viewers are welcome into her world, they are kept at arm's length, treated like outsiders – voyeurs – looking in on a private moment.

 

Amidst the narrative of her paintings, a sense of tranquillity and stillness prevails. Each small moment is immortalised and cherished through thick, luscious strokes of oil paint, infused with a palpable sense of joy and pleasure, bringing the creative process to life. All the figures depicted are bold and powerful, their vivid colour palette inviting the viewer to revel in the pleasures of her practice.

 

Despite the playful and mischievous nature of Vallance Cantor’s works, they serve as a conduit for her experiences as a neurodivergent individual. Her self-portraits, in particular, are in a constant state of evolution and conversation on the canvas. Themes of identity and self-actualisation are ever-present, offering a glimpse into the uniqueness of her perspective.