Deeson Gallery: Gwen Mortimore
I studied for a foundation degree in photography at the University of Kent and graduated in 2011. Before I completed my degree I was working in London, assisting photographers such as Nadav Kander and Lorenzo Agius.
My work consists mainly of nudes, as I am fascinated by the human form. The nudes are often depicted wearing animal masks, which conceal their identity, allowing them to take on a new persona. The nudes in my photographs are often captured in a domestic environment as I like to study the relationship between space and subject. I believe a photograph should tell a story and should captivate and intrigue its audience. The complex and ambiguous narrative in my images leaves the viewer wondering what will happen next. Conflicts, family matters and relationships are unresolved, leaving these mythical creatures in a place of isolation and alienation.
Other areas I am interested in include portraiture, fashion and the environment. My photographs of the environment include images of landscapes and cityscapes as I endeavour to capture the beauty of our surroundings.
More of my images can be found on my website at www.gwenmortimore.co.uk
Artist Q&A
If you were a Pantone colour, which one would you be?
Honeysuckle. It reminds me of the beach and the great beauty of a sunset disappearing into the night sky
In the studio of which artist – dead or alive – would you like to be a fly on the wall?
Cindy Sherman. I would love to see her thought process and the decisions she makes when setting up her shots
Tell us something great you've just discovered?
Mexican food which I have just rediscovered
What three words define your art?
Thought-provoking, imaginative and compelling (I hope)
Name your top three dinner guests, famous or not, dead or not...
John Lennon, Robert Mapplethorpe and my mum so she can help with the cooking
Which book or film do you wish you'd written?
Any film by David Lynch because of his fantastic imagination and his ability to stun and mystify his audience
What's your favourite journey
The creative and emotional journey of image making
How would you express yourself if there was no such thing as art?
Through music; I play the guitar and write songs
If you were a superhero, which one would you be and why?
Any superhero who can fly
Rock or roll?
Roll. Cheese and pickle please