Drawn to the idiosyncrasies of colour and the paradoxes of a minimalist approach, Sunniva McAlinden explores the visual and haptic qualities of painting. Her current work brings the pull of gravity into play.​ Activating visual ideas and abstract concepts that both connect to- and bypass language is central to her working method. ​Exploring the traditions and boundaries of painting, her art practice includes site-specific works, installation, three-dimensional constructions, and photographic works.

 

Solo exhibitions include a major presentation at Kunstnernes Hus, Oslo, entitled “Folly” (2008). Participation in group exhibitions include at Astrup Fearnley Museet, Oslo, and Bonniers Konsthall, Stockholm. “Ridå” (1998), is a large-scale textile work for the main auditorium of Moderna Museet Stockholm, that subtly addresses aspects of visibility: of being 'on stage' and 'backstage'. The public art commission for Odenplan station, Stockholm City Line, “Länk” (2017), consists of mosaic murals which incorporate a chain motif to symbolise 'Ornament' and represent the network of movement and connection crucial for travel.

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Born in 1963 in Oslo, she grew up in England and Norway. After foundation studies at the Nordic School of Art, Finland, she studied Fine Art at the Royal Institute of Art, Stockholm, Sweden (1985–1990). Teaching has been an important extension of her art practice. She has worked as professor at Bergen National Academy of the Arts (2004–2010) and at Oslo National Academy of the Arts (2013–2021). Her work is represented in various public collections in Sweden, such as Statens Konstråd, Stockholm konst, Offentlig konst Region Stockholm, Offentlig konst Region Uppsala.

 

Sunniva McAlinden lives and works in Stockholm.