This year marks 100 years since the Representation of the People Act was passed, giving some women the right to vote for the first time. To mark this occasion Project Ability proudly presents an exhibition showing new work by three of our very unique and prolific women artists.

Doreen Kay, Amna Sharif and Jacqui Smyth will all be represented in this exhibition. They were  invited to exhibit because of the determination they have towards their practice and the high quality of their work. Each of these artists work in our Aspire studios, and they each have a very different aesthetic.

Kay is a talented painter of people and landscapes. Often working from holiday photos, it isn’t uncommon to see the artist on the canvas herself, enjoying the company of friends while relaxing with a scenic view. She has an eye for the dramatic, and her canvases are skillfully composed.

Sharif has a completely different way of interpreting her world in pictures. Usually her work is very abstract with no recognisable imagery. Using a select colour palette, Sharif often works on large canvases, creating atmospheric voids on the surface of the canvas. When working on paper the artist will often repeat small motifs over and over again, until the paper is filled with hundreds of tiny lines, shooting out like multi coloured stars.

Smyth’s style of working is again completely different. She has a keen interest in pop music and the culture surrounding it. Her work is playful and very much her own. You won’t see another drawing style quite like Smyth’s. Very often her drawings will reference bands and musicians, concert venues and album cover art. Text is not uncommon to find on Smyth’s work, usually spelling out the artist or venue portrayed in the picture.

These artists will be showing new work alongside one another in the Project Ability gallery during the month of March. They have all been coming to the Project Ability Aspire studios for some time now, and we are delighted to be showcasing their work. Their diverse talent and personalities will ensure this show is exciting, fun and inspiring.