Gemma Compton

Gemma Compton is a contemporary artist living and working from Bristol in the UK. She has a First-Class (Hons) degree in fashion design achieved at U.W.E in 2008, specializing in print design and illustration. She has exhibited her modern memento mori works internationally, from the gallery wall to fashion apparel and large scale murals.

“My paintings represent distorted memories, dreams, and fears. Everything I create is an exploration into the duality of strength and fragility, drawing from personal experience and my own perspective. Stylistically my paintings boarder pop culture and surrealism, I call this body of work my ‘Memento Mori’ series even though I know they do not fit the traditional description of that genre. That phrase to me is ever present both in my work and in my life. In 2001 when I was 18, I was a passenger in a serious car crash. I sustained multiple injuries including breaking my spine and life went on hold while I was in recovery. Art and creating became a huge focus for me to deal with what had happened and helped me move forward in my life. Now, over 20 years on I am lucky. I am left with scars and chronic pain but I recovered, and painting has become the cornerstone of my life. It has allowed me to express things that I cannot always find language for. I hope my works can offer a connection that light can always be found in the darkness and to embrace the transience of life.”