CAT. A | ARTIST
BIO
Cat A is an interdisciplinary artist based in Portsmouth whose work blends humour, protest, and personal experience. Using text as her primary medium, she creates bold and satirical social commentary across painting, embroidery, found objects, and posters. Her practice tackles everything from capitalism and social hierarchy to the beauty industry and failed relationships — always with a sharp eye and a playful touch. Her work is direct, disarmingly funny, and rooted in the everyday.
EDUCATION
2014 – 2017 BA Fine Art and Art History, Plymouth University
2014 – 2015 Art and Design Foundation Diploma, Havant College
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2023 Stroppy Objects | Winchester School of Art Library | Sept 1–Oct 5
2022 Halloween 1913 – 2022 | Kings Theatre | October 1-31
2021 The Dazzled Beauty Booth | BT Phone Kiosk, Boscombe | July 23-30
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2025
Love Reclaimed | Pride Portsmouth~The Corner Collective | May 16-18
2024
This Homeland | London Hospitals~Responsa Foundation | September 11 - ongoing
Open Studios | Art Space Portsmouth | June 29-30
Transformation | University of Southampton | June 23–Sept 20
2023
Autumn Open Call | Imagination Refinery | October 28–November 28
Punchcard | The Auxiliary | August 1–31
2022
Draw me a Tree | Coastguard Studios | July 22-28
Flower Power | Yellow Edge Gallery | April 6-30
Inspirational Women Artists | A Space Arts | February 25-March 6
2021
VOGUE III | Boomer Gallery | October 8-14
Aura | The Holy Art | October 1-8
2018
Postcards From My Neighbourhood | Aspex Gallery | February 10-28
2017
Hot 17 Degree Show | Plymouth University | June 10-16
PROJECTS & EXPERIENCE
2024 POSE Portsmouth | Open Studios Event | October 25-27
2023 Look Up Portsmouth | Street Art Festival | September 2-3
2020 Design Havens for Heroes | Supplier
2019 You Keep It Zine | Contributor
2017 Archives Volunteer | National Museum of the Royal Navy
2016 Gallery Intern | Peninsula Arts
2015 Gallery Explainer | Plymouth Arts Centre | Portsmouth Museum
GROUPS
2024 - Present Offsite Member | Art Space Portsmouth
WRITING
2022 British Pop Art: Who Was Pauline Boty? | The Collector
AWARDS
2017 Highly Commended Award | Plymouth University
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
My work is personal and political, often at the same time. I’ve explored the horror of modern dating (Reasons Not to Call Him), taken petty swipes at ex-boyfriends, and made sarcastic digs at public figures and the general chaos of British culture. I use discarded materials — cardboard, bunting, flags — and paint in my own all-caps handwriting with Posca pens and acrylic. It’s messy, direct, and mostly therapeutic.
I make art out of the things people say when they’re not trying to be profound. A friend’s drunken rant, something I overheard at a car boot sale, a throwaway comment that hits too hard — these moments end up hand-painted on t-shirts, flags, charity shop finds, and whatever else I can get my hands on.
Humour is a big part of what I do, but so is anger, vulnerability, and wanting to feel seen. I make banners for my friends that say things like “Charlie Baxter Fancies Wrongens” or I make flags about racist ex in-laws and question why Michael Jackson songs are still being played. It all belongs in the same space. I’m interested in what happens when private feelings get turned into public declarations.
This is art as a kind of social commentary, a kind of shouting, and a kind of diary. You don’t have to agree with it, but I hope you feel something when you see it — or at least laugh once.
