In the realm of British art, few names shine as brightly as Diana Cumming. Born in 1930 in Hereford, England, Cumming’s extraordinary journey as a painter spanned an impressive seven decades. Her passing at the age of 94 marks the end of an era, but her legacy lives on through her diverse and captivating body of work that graces collections worldwide.
The Slade Years: A Young Visionary Emerges
Cumming’s artistic journey began in earnest at the prestigious Slade School of Art in London, where she studied from 1950 to 1954. It was here that her unique vision first caught the attention of the art world. Winning several scholarships, including the coveted prix de Rome in 1954, Cumming’s talent was undeniable.
Her early works from this period, characterized by luminous figures against brooding backgrounds, reveal a young artist grappling with the mysteries of the human condition. As noted by renowned artist Frank Auerbach, Cumming’s paintings possessed a “manic, pure and uncorrupted” quality that set them apart.
Part of what has to happen is exploring, honestly. There are so many possibilities all the time.
Diana Cumming
Imagination Unleashed: Genesis and Beyond
It was during her time at the Slade that Cumming created one of her most striking early works, Genesis: A Creation (1953). This large-scale history painting, part of a series, exemplifies her mystical, visionary aesthetic. Unbound by the constraints of traditional teaching, Cumming’s fertile imagination ran wild, producing works that teetered between innocence and the unsettling.
Her unique approach to portraiture also began to take shape during this period. Eschewing exactitude, Cumming focused on the act of perceiving, often beginning with the mouth and incorporating unexpected elements, such as her husband’s hands in a portrait of Peter Pears.
A Painter’s Progress: Exhibitions and Accolades
Throughout her career, Cumming’s work continued to evolve and captivate. Solo exhibitions at prestigious venues such as Beaux Arts (1964), the Serpentine Gallery (1987), and Thompson’s Gallery (2005) showcased her ever-expanding oeuvre. From expressive portraiture to shimmering landscapes, Cumming’s childlike wonder at the world never ceased to inspire.
Despite the challenges of raising a family and battling episodes of depression, Cumming remained dedicated to her craft. Travels abroad, particularly to Australia at the turn of the millennium, ignited new experiments with color that would define her later works.
A Legacy Etched in Canvas
Today, Diana Cumming’s works can be found in esteemed collections, including those of the Contemporary Arts Society, the Arts Council, and Britten Pears Arts. Her paintings, imbued with a sense of wonder and a touch of the uncanny, continue to captivate viewers and inspire new generations of artists.
As we bid farewell to this visionary painter, we are reminded of the indelible mark she has left on the art world. Diana Cumming’s life and works stand as a testament to the enduring power of the creative spirit, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to shine brightly for generations to come.
