Born in Ireland, and now based in London, Sarah Dwyer explores the mechanics of memory in her vibrant, dynamic paintings. Oscillating between abstract and figurative registers, she reworks her surfaces multiple times, channelling automatic and unconscious processes to create archaeological layers of colour and texture. Dwyer draws upon literature, mythology, folklore and stories from newspapers: Saudade (2012) takes its title from a Portuguese expression referring to a state of melancholy and bittersweet longing. The work was included in the Saatchi Gallery’s 2014 group show New Order II: British Art Today; Dwyer was nominated for the John Moores Painting Prize two years later, featuring in the accompanying exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool.