Studio A is opening gateways for artists with intellectual disability
It’s a little known fact that Studio A in St Leonards hosts national and international leaders in contemporary art, with projects ranging from brand collaborations, such as Australian designer Alemais, to murals and exhibitions featured at the Art Gallery of NSW. Studio A artists live with an intellectual disability.
The achievements of the Studio A artists makes co-founder Gabrielle Mordy proud. She is the CEO, artistic director and co-founder of the St Leonards studio, which was started as a response to the lack of opportunities for people with intellectual disability. “I feel extremely proud to see our artists recognised (in the Archibald Prize),” Gabrielle told NL. “The history of people with intellectual disability is often very marginalised and dismissed. It’s great to see our artists, our artists’ families and our artists’ friends (see them) respected and recognised.
“It feels right and more interesting that prizes like the Archibald have a greater diversity of voices reflected.”
Studio A offers artists with disability access to education, professional development and opportunities to further their creative careers. Their works are often exhibited within the mainstream arts sector, giving more people the opportunity to see and appreciate them.
One artist whose work has been featured in the Archibald Prize is Catherine McGuinness. She has been working with Studio A for years, her artworks marked by bright colours and underwater life, especially mermaids. In 2024 she held a solo exhibition, Night Blossom, at the Mosman Art Gallery.
“I’ve got lots and lots of memories at the studio,” Catherine explained. “We had the old studio and then the new studio. It is my responsibility to work at this place as an artist and that makes me feel happy!
“The studio helps me to do my art, with materials that they buy that I can use.”
Catherine told NL that her 2025 portrait of Shan Turner Carroll is one of her favourite works. “Shan is an artist and in my painting, he is a little, little mermaid,” she said. “Shan is a lovely person, I love him with all my heart, and I had a great time working with him.”
After her successful finalist selection in the Archibald Prize last year, Catherine is planning to enter again. “My portrait I’m working on is Priscilla – it’s me dressed as Priscilla (Presley),” the artist explains. “Thank you for helping me talk about my portrait, I love it!”
For more information or to donate, visit studioa.org.au