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. 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.”
Memento Mori
Faced with a void, an untouched surface. I swiftly blemish with pigment. The mark is made. No longer pristine. Who wants to be perfect anyway?
Finding flow, colours merge, I am adrift. Memories bleed out, broken bones, the formless takes its shape. Small wings preach gospel, the end is nigh. “Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away.” My kinship with Kahlo.
Levels of pain, covered by layers of paint, a contemporary vanitas. Mother Nature calls us all back to the dirt, finite. Unearthing presence within the chaos, the brush exposes my scars.
A sadness in this creative endeavour,
That life is too short,
And will not last forever.
For all exhibition details please see artist CV.
“It never occurs to me that (skulls) have anything to do with death. They are very lively. I have enjoyed them very much in relation to the sky.”
Found Poem - 21st Birthday (Feb 2022)
Mini documentary 'Inspirit' created by Friction Collective about me and my work in 2016.