GEMMA BEN-ARY
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I am a visual artist and independent curator based in Boorloo/Perth, Western Australia. ​

biography

b. 1978 in the spinifex region of the Pilbara, I was raised by horses, in the hills and valleys of the Darling scarp to the east of Boorloo / Perth. I work from my home studio in the hills, with kids, creatures and fellow artist partner.  My early years were creatively nurturing, surrounded by musicians, animals, and the bush, where I roamed and explored freely on horseback.

​curatorial statement

As a curator, I'm guided by a passion for contemporary Western Australian art and culture, engaging with artists to present experimental, multidisciplinary art that pushes boundaries and engages audiences through compelling storytelling. My mission is to connect, advance and advocate for WA’s artistic ecology, through providing platforms and opportunities for artists and arts professionals across regional and metropolitan galleries.

As an advocate for art and culture, I have a commitment to delivering impactful exhibitions, and years of experience in local government and non-profit organisations. Over the past couple of decades I have worked as a curator, gallerist and board member of various arts organisations, giving me a range of experiences in the delivery of exhibitions, as well as perspective on the importance of the policies, strategies and structures that govern cultural venues.

CURATORIAL CV

artist statement
 
As an artist, my practice is grounded in feminist theory, eco-feminism, and contemporary craft. Through engagement with landscapes and  the materials they offer, both natural and man-made, I take an intuitive approach to assembling, performing, and weaving as a way to comment on invisible labour, women's rights and environmental issues.  Basket-weaving is used as both a process and a metaphor for survival tactics such as storytelling, sharing, protecting, feeding, birthing and nurturing.

​ARTIST'S CV

Professional appointments

Curator, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), Jan-Jun 2025
Executive Director, Ellenbrook Cultural Foundation, 2017-24
​Artistic Director, 
Eco Fashion Week, Closet of the Anthropocene, 2024
Chairperson, Art on the Move, since 2023
Chairperson, GalleriesWest, 2021-23
Board Member, Art on the Move, 2021-23

CONTACT
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