Freya Sharp explores the relationship between power and vulnerability which comes with self exposure as a female artist. She expresses personal experiences and emotions through drawing and painting; in particular self portraiture and abstract works on paper and fabrics, in oil, charcoal and pastel. These materials are chosen for their textures, and strength of colour, allowing the artist to express emotion through every mark, physically pushing into the surface, enabling cathartic release. Her portraits are always made from life, with the sitter or a mirror. The portrayal of women and femaleness, including feminine sexuality is a constant theme in her work, as well as real life, human connection.

Biography

Born in Drogheda, Ireland, 1993

Lives and works in London, UK

Education

2016 BA Fine Art, Cardiff School of Art and Design, Wales

2013 Foundation, Cardiff School of Art and Design, Wales

Awards and residences

2016 Brunell House Artist residency, Floating Island Gallery, Cardiff, Wales

2015 The Helen Gregory Memorial Award, Wales

2012 Bridgend College Award, Cardiff, Wales

Selected solo and Group Exhibitions

2026 Echoes, Kindred studios, London

2025 How Queer - a celebration of queer artists, The Bridge House theatre, London

2025 Fleurelly X Freya Sharp, Mason and Fifth Westbourne Park, London

2025 Kindred, Group Studio Exhibition,  London
2023 Topless Employees of Soho House, The Camden Assembly, London

2023 Sota x Christies lates, Christies, London

2022 AF Legacies, St Luke’s, London

2021 Forever in our hearts Acava Maxilla, London

2020 Freya Sharp, Babel Art House, London

2019 Matrix, Fade to black, London

2016 What Indeed, Cardiff's Morgan Quarter, Wales

2016 An Evening of Foreplay- a Feminist Event for Everyone, The Roath Park Pub Cardiff