One of the most extraordinary contemporary artists living today, Sargy Mann returns for another awe-inspiring solo exhibition. Since completely losing his sight in 2005, Mann has continued to paint, constantly exploring new ways of seeing.

“Because I couldn't see people anymore, it became more important to paint them...I suppose you always paint the things you most want to see." Sargy Mann, in an interview with the Guardian

This new series of works focuses greatly on the human figure. Large-scale, vibrant canvases that dance with light and shadow recall familiar scenes of earlier work by the artist, above all the sun-drenched balconies of Cadaqués, North-East Spain: one of the last places Mann visited before losing his sight altogether.

Sargy Mann is one of the most extraordinary artists living today. Although deeply influenced by Cezanne and Bonnard his paintings attain a remarkable originality. His recent work is all the more astonishing now that he is blind.

He was diagnosed with cataracts at 36, and went on to lose his sight completely. But in his mind's eye his vision did not fade. Mann found new ways to keep working and today his paintings, collected by Daniel Day-Lewis among others, are more acclaimed than ever. 

"All through the 80s, I was having eye operations and each time I came out of hospital, I was seeing differently, so I had to keep rediscovering what the world looked like and how to engage with it. Actually, I liked this because the great thing for an artist to not to repeat yourself. I was always trying to use my art to see more deeply, to be more involved in the world. And, even after I became blind, this didn't change. I had to invent new methods of working - I mark certain points on the canvas with Blu-Tack, so I know where I am - but I'm still trying to capture the experience of the external world, and I can still mvoe freely in it, through the imagination. Looking back, I don't think I'd have liked the life of a professional sportsman, not nearly as much as I've liked being an artist. And the amazing thing is that I'm still able to do it today".

"I haven't really spent much time at all being miserable about my loss of sight. I haven't grieved for it. I have a moment every few days when I am painting, when I think 'Oh fuck, I wish I could see that'. And when my daughter has her baby, soon, I may have some moments of wishing I could see it, but I will hold it and smell it and that's the way my life works now, and it's a good life." - Sargy Mann

Cadogan Contemporary
87 Old Brompton Road
London SW7 3LD United Kingdom
Ph. +44 (0)20 75815451
info@cadogancontemporary.com
www.cadogancontemporary.com

Opening hours
Monday - Friday from 10am to 6pm
Saturday from 11am to 6pm