Drawn to painting by the paradoxes of colour and the idiosyncrasies of a minimalist approach, Sunniva McAlinden explores the interactive exchanges that take place between the idea and the material. Her current work brings the pull of gravity into play.​ Visual ideas that both connect to and bypass language are central to her working method.

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Exploring the traditions and boundaries of painting, her art practice includes three-dimensional constructions, installation, site-specific works, and photography.

 

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) a large textile work for the main auditorium of Moderna Museet Stockholm, subtly addresses aspects of visibility: of being 'on stage' and 'backstage'. “Länk” (2017), a public art commission for Odenplan station, Stockholm City Line, consists of two mosaic murals with chain motifs that literally suggest 'ornament' and symbolise 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.