ÜBER SLAY

Date: 6th Dec 25 - 17th Jan 26

by Ute Kirkwood @utekirkwoodstudio

Über Slay is a venture into motherhood... It is connected to the cult of the three holy women, who predominantly existed in the regions of Alpes bordering Germany.

These women signify a holy trinity; between them, they create, sustain and take life. One children’s song from the region describes how they spin the golden thread of life.

Inspired by the story of three holy women, this installation combines autobiographical works made by an artist during the early stages of motherhood. They explore the ever-changing female body and the aftermath of birth, and raise questions of where the mother’s place in society is and how she fits into it.

1. Ute Kirkwood (b. Munich) is an artist living and working in Aldershot. Her work explores femininity, domestic space and mental health. She is an artist working in various media, including print, video and sculpture. She is a BA Fine Art graduate from Central Saint Martin’s and MA Fine Art graduate from Newcastle University. She has shown her work as part of XAP Crossart Projects collective, London, The Long Gallery, Newcastle and Geddes Gallery, London.

AUTONOMOUS

Date: 15th Oct - 23rd Nov 25

Aldershot Contemporary presents a new exhibition, "AUTONOMOUS’’, showing works by two artists, Megan Georgia Smith and Abi Birkinshaw. It consists of painted moments of everyday life. Abi’s paintings narrate their own lived experience; paintings are a synthesis of their day-to-day life and are concerned with the act of looking, of watching people watch things happen. Megan’s work, often autobiographical, draws upon her own social and cultural surroundings for inspiration.

Abi Birkinshaw is an artist from Cardiff, Wales. Abi’s work has recently been shown at LOOK UP, Portsmouth and the John Moores Painting Prize 2025 at the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool. They are represented by Columbia Road Gallery. “My most recent work explores themes of identity, memory and the nuances of loss. Through the act of painting, I’m able to confront and process things that are difficult to articulate - or things I simply do not, or cannot, speak about. My paintings often begin with materials found on the floor in my studio, which I staple or nail to the wall. I take a provisional approach to making, intentionally contradicting the profound experiences that underpin the work. I am fascinated by contradictions. Contradictions, I think, are inherently human”.
Megan Georgia Smith is an artist from Aldershot, Hampshire. Artworks of Megan's have been exhibited in galleries such as Tate Britain, Aspex Gallery, and Bridport Arts Centre.

"I am a painter/sculptor whose work documents & explores notions of class, youth culture & generally, the condition of being human. As an Artist who does not live or work in London, it is easy to feel isolated from the London-centric arts scene, however, I have come to view my hometown (and current address) as a place of inspiration and potential, rather than a place that stifles me creatively, and in my career in the arts”.

SIGNAL

Date: 13th Sep - 12th Oct 25

Celebrate the launch of a vibrant new temporary art space in the heart of Aldershot town centre with its debut exhibition, Signal - a bold and immersive tribute to movement, unity, and resistance.Inspired by the underground energy of Aldershot and Hampshire’s 90s rave and nightclub scene, Signal brings together the work of two dynamic artists in a powerful mix of moving image, installation, live performance, and hands-on workshops. At its core is the spirit of PLUR - Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect - echoing the collective joy and defiance found on the dancefloor.

Natalie Mitchell - this one goes out to The Dance
Olivia Wallis Jackson - Stasiland (live performance) 13th of September 4.45pm Union Yard, Aldershot

Collage making workshop with Maria Ahmed https://mariaahmed.art/ - 20th Sep - 1pm - 4pm