Sophie Larrimore, US

Sophie Larrimore (b. 1980, Maryland) is a Brooklyn-based artist whose work delves into the dynamic interplay of composition, colour, form, and texture.

A 2004 graduate of The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, Larrimore’s paintings—often depicting canine and human subjects—stand out for their playful yet intricate treatment of space and form. Her work examines the tension between flat and illusionistic spaces, using her subjects as a springboard for broader explorations of artistic elements.

Larrimore’s fascination with dogs as subjects stems from their kitsch connotations and their historical roles in art, where they were frequently relegated to secondary figures. Her use of these animals reflects on the intersection of nostalgia, humour, and a critique of artistic seriousness.

By intentionally challenging the traditional boundaries between “serious” art and seemingly trivial subjects, Larrimore uses her canine figures to explore the relationship between abstraction and representation. Her intuitive approach to form and colour results in paintings that convey a sense of movement and surprise, engaging both the artist and the viewer in an unexpected dialogue.