Gemma Rolls-Bentley is a curator, writer, & creative consultant

Photo: Christa Holka

Gemma has been at the forefront of contemporary art for two decades, working passionately to champion diversity in the field. Her debut book Queer Art; From Canvas to Club and the Spaces Between was published in Spring 2024 by Frances Lincoln and has been highlighted as a must-read by Them, Dazed, Timeout, The Guardian, Cultured and the FT.

Gemma’s curatorial practice amplifies the work of female and queer artists and provides a platform for art that explores LGBTQIA+ identity. She has curated for a range of international galleries and institutions, most recently ICA London, Carl Freedman Gallery, Leslie Lohman Museum of Art, and London Art Fair. In 2022 she curated the Brighton Beacon Collection, the largest permanent display of queer art in the UK, for Soho House Brighton.

Gemma has taught at numerous institutions including CSM, University of Oxford, Royal College of Art, Glasgow School of Art, and Goldsmiths. She co-chairs the board of trustees for the charity Queercircle, sits on the Courtauld Association Committee, and the Leslie Lohman Museum Acquisitions 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