Steve Cunningham - Painter

Steve Cunningham is a Jamaican visual artist whose work is deeply rooted in the landscapes, people, and everyday experiences of the island. Born in Trelawny, Jamaica, he later made his home in Portland, where the parish’s lush mountains, rivers, coastline, and rural communities provide an enduring source of inspiration. Art has been a part of Cunningham’s life for as long as he can remember, and over the past decade he has devoted himself to developing his practice and sharing his perspective through painting.

Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, Cunningham creates landscapes, still lifes, and portraits distinguished by their rich colour, atmosphere, and sense of narrative. His paintings often capture familiar moments of Jamaican life—from the quiet comfort of home and the beauty of the countryside to scenes of the sea and traces of the island’s past. Through careful observation and an emotional connection to his subjects, he seeks to capture not simply what he sees, but what he feels: the rhythm of the island, the tranquillity of rural life, and the character and resilience of its people.

Cunningham’s artistic achievements include earning a Silver Medal in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Art Competition, an important recognition that strengthened his commitment to his practice. He views painting as a means of storytelling and preserving memories, culture, and a sense of place. Through his evolving body of work, Steve Cunningham continues to celebrate the beauty and spirit of Jamaica, creating paintings that offer viewers an intimate connection to the island and the stories of its people.