ABOUT GEMMA SHEPHERD

Gemma Shepherd, born 10th September 1993 is a Cape Town based artist who uses photography as a medium to explore issues of self, belonging and becoming, as she finds herself in an isolated limbo in all aspects of life thus far. Despite being born into the newly democratic ‘rainbow nation’, Shepherd grew up treading the line between two worlds – occupying a position of privilege but understanding the experience and realities of marginalized communities. Being in this state of ‘in-between’ pushed Shepherd into an internal grappling with her own identity, place in society and life, which she navigates through multiple creative outlets. After graduating from the University of Cape Town, she entered the fashion industry which ultimately led her into the world of photography. While Shepherd phases in and out of various fields, she is consciously exploring multiple creative expressions as well as ensuring she is never confined to one. Her work has been published in numerous international and local publications both in print and online, such as Vogue Italia, Bubblegum Club, iMute, Just Magazine and The Lake.

Group Exhibitions

2020    ‘FEMINIST UTOPIA’ curated by Anelisa Mangcu, EBONY/CURATED, Cape Town, South Africa

2018    ‘I Want To Show You Something’, curated by Lauren Theunissen, Orms CTSP, Cape Town, South Africa

2017    ‘By Way of Hand’, curated by Lauren Theunissen, Orms CTSP. Cape Town, South Africa

Education

2017    Black & White Film Photography, Orms Cape Town School of Photography, Cape Town, South Africa

2016    Higher Certificate in Photography, Vega School of Brand Leadership, Cape Town, South Africa

2015    Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Media & Writing and Film & Television Studies, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

Press

Between 10and5. 2020. A3E Artist Profile: Gemma Shepherd – Between 10 and 5. [ONLINE] Available at: https://10and5.com/2019/09/17/a3e-artist-profile-gemma-sheperd/. [Accessed 25 August 2020].

Between 10and5. 2020. Less is More With Gemma Mary Shepherd – #CreateWithCanon – Between 10 and 5. [ONLINE] Available at: https://10and5.com/2019/03/26/less-is-more-with-gemma-mary-shepherd-createwithcanon/. [Accessed 25 August 2020].

Bubblegum Club. 2020. Gemma Shepherd – A Daring Fashion Lens Evoking A Sense Of Familiarity – Bubblegum Club. [ONLINE] Available at: https://bubblegumclub.co.za/photography/gemma-shepherd-daring-fashion-lens-evoking-sense-familiarity/. [Accessed 25 August 2020].

I am not a stereotype. The photographer reframing South African identity | Beautiful News. 2020. I am not a stereotype. The photographer reframing South African identity | Beautiful News. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.beautifulnews.com/i-am-not-stereotype-photographer-reframing-south-african-identity. [Accessed 25 August 2020].