A Vivid New Exhibition by Hannah Cawthorne Explores the Hidden Lives Around Us
2nd to 14th September
Coming to Indigo Crow Gallery, 57 Burton Road, Lincoln on September 2nd, “Sonder” is the latest exhibition by local abstract artist Hannah Cawthorne. It promises to be as thought-provoking as it is visually striking.
But what exactly is Sonder?
It is a word coined in The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig, defined as “the profound feeling of realizing that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.” For Hannah, discovering this word instantly struck a chord – it is a concept that seamlessly aligned with her own creative philosophy.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the inner workings of the mind. How our thoughts, emotions, and memories colour the way we perceive the world,” says Hannah. “Sonder put a name to that feeling I’ve often tried to capture in my work.”
An Interior World, Made Visible
Hannah’s work is unmistakable – bold, expressive, brimming with emotional energy. Her paintings and collages are saturated with colour and movement. While some pieces in “Sonder” directly engage with the idea of imagined interior lives, others serve as personal reflections – snapshots of how Hannah experiences the world through her own vibrant lens.
Whether through swirling forms, layered textures, or daring colour contrasts, her work asks the viewer to look beyond the surface and consider what lies beneath, not only in the art, but in the people around them.
An Evolving Practice Rooted in Curiosity
Art has always been a constant in Hannah’s life. From childhood sketches to large-scale contemporary works, her journey has been anything but linear, often meandering through assorted styles and media.
Now based in Lincolnshire, she spends her time in her home studio, creating expansive paintings and mixed-media collages that reflect her ever-evolving style.
Hannah’s work has been exhibited across the UK, including a recent piece displayed in the awe-inspiring setting of Lincoln Cathedral. Lately, Hannah has begun to experiment with the intersection of painting and sculpture, finding new ways to push her practice forward and challenge traditional boundaries.
Why You Should See “Sonder”
If you are looking for art that doesn’t just speak to the eyes but whispers (or shouts) to the soul, this exhibition is not to be missed. “Sonder“ is more than just a collection of paintings. It is an invitation to think more deeply about those fleeting moments of connection and curiosity we experience every day.
You will find colour, energy and emotion, but also something more subtle: a reminder that behind every face you pass on the street is an entire universe of thoughts, dreams, heartbreaks and joys.
Come ready to feel, to wonder and to see the world through someone else’s eyes – even if just for a moment.
Follow Hannah on Instagram @hannahabstracts
Blog article written by Fiona Hodges.