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The Exhibition
Meet the Cantors, a duo show by Douglas Cantor and Sophie Vallance Cantor, is the artists' third collaboration, showcasing their resilient partnership. Their story is one of persistent creativity, unwavering conviction, and mutual support in overcoming challenges. With a ‘watch us’ attitude, they defy expectations, crafting unconventional works that celebrate the triumph of creativity over adversity. -
Sophie and Douglas in their home. Image courtesy of the artists and Chloe Polkinghorne.
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Douglas Cantor
Douglas Cantor, born in 1989 in Puerto Boyacá, Colombia, lives and works in London, UK. His work focuses on themes of identity, memory, and the isolating experience of being an immigrant, drawing heavily on his personal history and Latin American heritage.Cantor's paintings are deeply biographical, often featuring motifs from his immediate surroundings, such as personal objects, daily life, and close relationships. His art explores the complexities of diaspora identity and cultural transformation through the lens of his own experiences as a Latino immigrant in the UK. This results in a unique blend of imagery that portrays a hybrid cultural reality, reflecting both his Colombian roots and his life in the UK. -
His compositions are infused with nostalgia, often romanticizing aspects of his Colombian culture while simultaneously integrating elements of his current life. This creates a sense of idealization, capturing the essence of his memories and experiences in a vibrant and emotionally resonant manner. Cantor describes his painting process as intuitive and driven by the act of painting itself. He often starts with multiple sketches and canvases, allowing the painting to evolve organically. This process is less about control and more about discovery, as he seeks to create the best possible painting rather than a predetermined outcome. His approach is free from theoretical constraints, focusing instead on personal significance and emotional truth.Douglas Cantor's work offers a poignant exploration of identity and belonging, capturing the complexities of cultural transformation through his vivid and personal paintings. His art stands as a testament to the immigrant experience, blending past and present in a visually and emotionally compelling way.
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Douglas Cantor, Tu Diablo, 2024, oil on canvas
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Sophie Vallance Cantor
Sophie Vallance Cantor is a Scottish painter born in 1993 in Stirling, Scotland. Vallance Cantor's paintings are known for their vivid color palettes and playful, yet deeply introspective subject matter. She draws inspiration from a myriad of sources including films, social media, personal photographs, and a small book titled "A Dictionary of Colour Combinations." This eclectic mix of influences allows her to create compositions that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant. She places significant emphasis on color, having evolved from a more spontaneous approach to a deliberate and studied use of hues, often influenced by her partner, Douglas Cantor. -
Sophie Vallance Cantor in her studio. Image courtesy of the artists and Chloe Polkinghorne.
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Her work frequently incorporates text, which she collects from snippets of conversations, songs, everyday interactions, or her favorite pieces of literature. These textual elements add layers of meaning to her paintings, blending visual and verbal storytelling. This approach reflects her fascination with the interplay between words and images, and how simple phrases can encapsulate complex emotions and narratives. Despite her critical view of certain aspects of the art world, Vallance Cantor actively engages with it. She is known for her humorous and critical takes on the art industry's power structures and ideologies, which showcases her willingness to critique while still participating in and contributing to the art community.
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Vallance Cantor's influences extend beyond the realm of painting. She draws inspiration from artists and figures who embody the artistic spirit, such as Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe. This admiration for artists who live and breathe their craft mirrors her own approach to art as a continuous and immersive process. Her relationship with her partner, Douglas Cantor, also plays a significant role in her artistic development, as they mutually influence each other’s work and creative journeys.
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Sophie Vallance Cantor, Save Your Coins For the FotoAutomat, 2024, oil on canvas
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Sophie Vallance Cantor's work is a testament to the power of color, narrative, and personal expression in contemporary art. Her ability to blend visual and textual elements creates rich, multifaceted works that invite viewers into her unique world. With a growing body of work and numerous exhibitions under her belt, Vallance Cantor continues to be a dynamic and influential figure in the art world.
The artist has exhibited her work extensively, both in solo and group exhibitions across the globe. Her work has been featured in prestigious venues such as Sotheby’s in New York and Mrs Gallery in New York, highlighting her international appeal and recognition within the contemporary art scene. Furthermore, the artist's works will be shown at the CAN Art Fair 2024 in Ibiza with Enari Gallery.
Douglas Cantor - Sophie Vallance Cantor, 30 May - 20 July
