Gemma 2

Gemma Shepherd

Bio

Gemma Shepherd is a Cape Town-based interdisciplinary conceptual and artist using materiality as an intuitive meditation on the self in relation to the liminal, belonging and becoming. While Shepherd phases in and out of various practices, she is consciously exploring how social formations shape identities through multiple mediums as well as ensuring she is never confined to just one. In 2019, she completed the Bachelor of Arts at the University of Cape Town and focused on applying photographic practice in the fashion industry. In the same year, she founded the Orms Circle Mentorship Programme and curated the solo exhibition ‘Kwantlandlolo’ of the first selected artist, Yonela Makoba. In 2020, Shepherd was invited to participate in the ‘Feminist Utopia’ group exhibition at Ebony/CURATED Gallery, curated by Anelisa Mangcu. This was Shepherd’s first body of work showcasing her transition into an elemental medium and meditative practice. In 2021 Shepherd participated in the Latitudes ArtistLab Programme hosted at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town, where she was mentored by Bonolo Kavula. Throughout 2021 and 2022, Shepherd has been collaborating with artist Rochelle ‘Rharha’ Nembhard on a project exploring the relationship between women and earth, which debuted at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair in 2022 and went on to exhibit at ‘Techné Disruptors’ curated by Myna Mukherjee at India Art Fair. Currently, Shepherd is exploring object art and digital installations through the Turbine Art Fair Unearthed Programme, curated by Teboho Ralesai, mentored by Fouad Asfour. Shepherd’s work has been featured widely both in print and online, notably in the British Journal of Photography, FNB Art Joburg, Vogue Italia and NATAAL.

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