Gemma Rolls-Bentley is a curator, creative consultant & writer who has been at the forefront of contemporary art for nearly two decades.

Photo: Christa Holka

Curating exhibitions and building art collections internationally, her curatorial practice amplifies the work of female and queer artists and provides a platform for art that explores LGBTQIA+ identity. Her debut book Queer Art: From Canvas to Club, and the Spaces Between was published by Quarto in May 2024.

Most recently she curated 'Realms' at Carl Freedman Gallery, 'Ultraviolet' at KKWEER Arts, and ‘A Million Candles: Illuminating Queer Love & Life’ at the London Art Fair.
She curated ‘A Million Candles: Illuminating Queer Love & Life’ at the London Art Fair. In 2023 she curated the group exhibition ‘Dreaming of Home’ at Leslie Lohman Museum of Art in NYC and the Tom of Finland Art & Culture Festival in London. She curated the Brighton Beacon Collection, the largest permanent display of queer art in the UK. Gemma is a visiting lecturer at the Royal College of Art and has taught at numerous institutions including Goldsmiths and Glasgow School of Art. She co-chairs the board of trustees for the charity Queercircle and sits on the Courtauld Association Committee.

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Queer Art Reviews

  • “We love and strongly recommend this beautifully curated book. Celebrating the massive and lasting global impact of LGBTQI+ artists, a book like this long overdue!”

    Russel Tovey & Robert Diament, Talk Art Podcast

  • “Queer Art is a testament to the profound impact of art and culture and the resilience of the human spirit, and will undoubtedly resonate with readers of all backgrounds and identities. This book is not just for the LGBTQIA+ community; it is for anyone who believes in the power of art to transcend boundaries, foster empathy & ignite change.”

    Sir Isaac Julien, RA

  • “Queer Art is a brilliant accomplishment for Gemma Rolls-Bentley…a testament to the transformative potential of art in challenging norms and fostering inclusivity.”

    Catherine Opie

  • “Shazam! And just like that - trans tokenism no longer has a place in queer art history. Finally a book that celebrates the creative contributions of trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming artists.”

    E-J Scott, Founder of the Museum of Transology