Sophie Cunningham

Lives and works in New York, USA & London, UK

Artist statement

Sophie Cunningham’s work transforms the transactional nature of fast fashion into acts of subversive rebellion. Her practice probes the addictive cycles of online shopping, examining how brands perpetuate a throwaway culture amid the alarming rise of overconsumption. Through absurd, performative gestures in sculpture and photography, she creates films reminiscent of YouTube unboxings. Using the timeframe between her online order and customer return to stage these works, she inserts her interventions directly into existing supply chains. These acts collapse the distance between object, body, and system. Cunningham’s work turns capitalist spectacle inside out, revealing both its seduction and its emptiness.

Artwork

• Thank You for Your Return, 2022. 6 sets of 6 jackets ordered on daily rotation*, 6 participants, 1 iron structure *After each activity, dismantled jackets are returned to the retailer via the Post Office.
• Thank You for Your Return, 2022. 6 sets of 6 jackets ordered on daily rotation*, 6 participants, 1 iron structure *After each activity, dismantled jackets are returned to the retailer via the Post Office.
• Mementos for the Supply Chain, 2021. Video
• Papier-mâché Boots, 2022. Video, Cream PU Croc Point Toe Heeled Calf Boots Size 3
• Consumption of Red Shoes, 2025. Video
• Consumption of Beige Bag, 2023. Video 00:04:00 and two polariods
• Power Stance, 2021. Clear lace up sandals in black, Balloon