Gemma Pepper is a Zurich-based British artist and photographer whose work explores themes of identity, intergenerational trauma and the human relationship with nature and the environment. Her artistic approach is based on the rediscovery of forgotten, lost or discarded objects, especially found photographs, which she reinterprets with a particular eye for their meaning and history.
With a preference for analogue techniques such as cyanotype and mixed media, Gemma Pepper creates unique, timeless and haunting works. Her work challenges the viewer to question the relationship between past and present, personal memory and collective history.
She began her academic training by studying fine art photography at Llandrillo College in Rhos-on-Sea (North Wales) and continued at the University of Derby (England). In 2021, she successfully completed her Master of Arts ZFH in Art Education with a focus on Curatorial Studies at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK).
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
Finalist HeadOn Photo Award
Nominated for Siena Creative Photography Award
Nominated for Refocus Award
Nominated for Portrait Photography Award Hellerau
2024
Honourable Mention Fine Art Photography Award
2023
Shortlisted Photoville4600 by Fujifilm Awards, Photofestival Olten
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