First institutional exhibition at Arnolfini, by British artist Sahara Longe.
Arnolfini, Bristol's centre of international contemporary arts, presents British artist Sahara Longe’s first institutional solo exhibition this summer, 28 June - 28 September 2025. The other side of the mountain invites visitors into Longe's semi-abstract interior worlds, her paintings capturing fleeting moments, memories and the multitude of stories that live within.
Inspired by Longe's nostalgic exploration of old family photographs alongside her deep connection with Doris Lessing's pivotal feminist novel The Golden Notebook (1962), her paintings create a space where “dreams cross-pollinate with reality.” Featuring a new body of work, The other side of the mountain weaves together memories from Longe’s early childhood in Clapham with contemporary reflections on family, changing circumstances and remembrance itself. Some paintings capture literal memories – the conspiratorial conversations of schoolgirls in woollen jumpers and plaid skirts – whilst others draw from deeply personal references, such as a solitary figure wearing a red dress against a lush green background, inspired by the memory of a heavy, red velvet dress worn in childhood. This evocative use of colour throughout her work stems partly from her classical portraiture training at Florence's Charles H. Cecil Studios, where she was restricted to working with just five colours for the first two years of study.
Working simultaneously across multiple canvases, Longe is a natural storyteller, transforming autobiographical moments through literary and filmic devices, with figures often caught mid-action across a series of smaller vignettes allowing us to project our own narratives upon the work. Throughout the exhibition, shadows challenge traditional metaphorical interpretations. Rather than representing spectres or negative forms, Longe's shadows offer possibility (a promise or glimpse into another soul), functioning as both shadow and reflection, creating what Lessing might call "Some tiny passing shade of feeling, a mere cloud shadow."
Sahara Longe is represented by Timothy Taylor and will be exhibiting alongside Standing by the ruins, an exhibition by Dana Awartani. Both exhibitions are accompanied by a programme of live performances, family and wellbeing workshops.
Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 6pm. Free entry (£5 suggested donation).