Gemma Pepper, born in England in 1979, has lived in Switzerland since 1985. As an artist, her work permeates the interfaces between personal memory, nature and digital technology. She has been based in the canton of Zurich since 2017, where she lives with her partner and dog in close proximity to nature. With a characteristic approach, she transforms forgotten objects - especially found photographs - into ambiguous artistic narratives. Her artistic practice focuses on the deconstruction and reinterpretation of memory. Using analogue techniques such as cyanotype and mixed-media collage, Pepper creates unique one-offs that reflect intergenerational trauma, personal identity and our relationship with the environment.
Her current artistic projects explore the intersections between personal memory, material transience and technological imagination. Through various media and techniques, she examines the complex relationships between human experience, nature and digital systems. She pursues a sustainable, reflective approach that combines environmentally friendly techniques with critical perspectives on technology, memory and human existence.
After studying fine art photography in Wales and England in 2013, she wanted to continue her education and completed her Master's degree in Art Education at the Zurich University of the Arts in 2021. She has been represented by Galerie Esther Woerdehoff (Paris/Geneva) since 2022 and has received awards such as the Elles x Paris Photo Award and nominations such as the Fujifilm Photoville Award from the Olten Photo Festival. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including at Photo Basel, Paris Photo, Photo London and AIPAD New York, and can be found in public and private collections.
Awards
2025
Nominated for Portrait Photography Award Hellerau
2024
Honourable Mention Fine Art Photography Award
2023
Shortlisted Photoville4600 by Fujifilm Awards
Honourable Mention Annual Photography Award
2022
Elles x Paris Photo Award
Winner Vienna International Photography Award - Free Subject
Shortlisted International Photography Award - One Shot Colour
Shortlisted Lucie Foundation, Carte Blanche - Object Category
Shortlisted Fine Art Photography Awards - Open Theme
Shortlisted Sony World Photography Organisation - Creative Category
Honourable Mention ND Awards - Special Open Theme
Until 2021
Winner Emerging Photographer Award - Feature Shoot
Shortlisted Bolton Art Prize
Shortlisted Brighton Student Art Prize
Shortlisted Neo Art Prize
Winner Community Foundation Award Derby
Winner Museum of Derby Award