gemma lynch-memory

The path to becoming an artist is often one of unwavering commitment to the exploration of creative practice and the attainment of mastery in technique, materials, and skill. For those who embark upon this lifelong pursuit, it is seldom a matter of choice; rather, it is propelled by an innate desire to serve as both a conduit and an interpreter of human experience. The artist, in essence, embarks on a journey into the collective consciousness, offering profound insights and understanding through their work.

Gemma Lynch-Memory epitomizes the role of the artist as a messenger of the soul, a calling that has resonated within her since childhood. Preferring the title of “painter” over “artist,” she directs attention away from herself and towards her creations, positioning herself as a vessel through which deeper truths are conveyed. Over three decades of dedicated practice, she has cultivated a unique artistic language, manifested through thirty-six solo exhibitions hosted in prominent galleries across Australia.

The measure of an artist’s success often eludes quantification. While some achieve posthumous recognition, others navigate niche markets in pursuit of commercial validation. Lynch-Memory’s oeuvre, distinctively her own, has managed to consistently bridge the realms of artistic integrity and public demand.

Her ability to achieve such support from the general public and collectors, while maintaining a distinctive artistic voice speaks volumes about the resonance and captivation of her work. As Lynch-Memory enters the fourth decade of her career, the longevity of her continued success places her in very select company among Australian female artists. Collectors of her work may find themselves reaping substantial rewards as the art world’s gaze further turns towards important female artists and addresses historical gender imbalances.

An artistic career is a testament to perseverance and introspection, culminating in the creation of profoundly personal works that resonate deeply with viewers. In Lynch-Memory’s creations, we find not only a reflection of her own journey but also an invitation to partake in the emotional and intellectual resonance of her art. Through her work, she enriches our collective experience, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to engage with it.

Artist Biography

Education/ Travel
1970 - Born Bathurst, NSW
1992 - Bachelor of Visual Arts (Painting Major) University of New England
1994 - Master of Art Admin - University of New South Wales
1995/6 - Travelled to Africa, Egypt, U.K., Europe, U.S.A.,

Solo Exhibitions
1996 - 'Testimony' ARDT Gallery - Sydney
1997 - 'Postcards' Lyall Burton Gallery - Melbourne
1998 - 'Search for Meaning' Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery - Sydney
1998 - 'Journey' Greenaway Gallery - Melbourne
1999 - 'Duality' Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery - Sydney
2000 - 'Little Kingdom' Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery - Sydney
2001 - 'Waiting for Rain' Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery - Sydney
2002 - 'Earthworks' Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery - Sydney
2002 - 'Urban Paddocks' Chifley Plaza - Sydney
2003 - 'Brand New Day' Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery - Sydney
2003 - 'Daylight' Chifley Plaza - Sydney
2004 - 'Under a Sunlit Sky' - Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery - Sydney
2004 - 'East to West' - Gullotti Gallery - Perth
2005 - 'Travelling Without Moving' Gullotti Galleries - Perth
2005 - 'Landmarks' Libby Edwards Galleries - Melbourne
2006 - 'Terra Firma' Libby Edwards Galleries - Sydney
2006 - 'Incandescent' Libby Edwards Galleries - Brisbane
2006 - 'Off The Map' Paul Gullotti Galleries - Perth
2007 - 'New Landscapes' Libby Edwards Galleries - Melbourne
2009 - 'New Works' Cudgegong Regional Gallery - Gulgong
2009 - 'Big Country' Yarra Ranges Arts Centre - Yarra Valley
2009 - 'Big Country' Chifley Tower Gallery - Sydney
2009 - 'Big Country' Cooper Gallery - Noosa
2010 - 'Big Country' Gadfly Gallery - Perth
2010 - 'Big Country' Collins St Gallery - Melbourne
2011 - '40 Degrees South’ - The Artison Airport Gallery - Hobart
2011 - 'Recent Works' - The Artison Airport Gallery - Hobart
2012 - 'This Land' - The Artison Airport Gallery - Hobart
2013 - 'Fleur' - Traffic Jam Galleries - Sydney
2014 - 'Road Less Travelled' Traffic Jam Galleries - Sydney
2018 - 'Maps of Meaning' Traffic Jam Galleries - Sydney
2021 - 'Resonate' Traffic Jam Galleries - Sydney
2021 - 'Continuum' TAG Gallery - Hobart
2022 - 'Islander' TAG Gallery - Hobart
2023 - 'Adrift' TAG Gallery - Hobart

'emily:explorer' National Touring Exhibition
2007 - 'emily:explorer' National Touring Exhibition - Sydney
2008 - 'emily:explorer' National Touring Exhibition - Perth
2008 - 'emily:explorer' National Touring Exhibition - Brisbane
2008 - 'emily:explorer' National Touring Exhibition - Melbourne
2009 - 'emily:explorer' National Touring Exhibition - Hobart

Awards and Prizes
2007 - Fleurieu Art Prize Finalist
2019 - Mosman Art Prize Finalist

Selected Group Shows
Numerous group shows and art fairs.

Publications and Media
2001 - 'Artist Profile' Luxury Home design Magazine
2003 - Featured 'Australia's 50 Most Beautiful Homes' Publication
2004 - Featured 'Australian Women Weekly - Andrew Dado Profile' Publication
2005 - 'Artist Profile II' Contemporary Home Design Magazine
2006 - Home and Garden - Review
2006 - 9606: gemma lynch-memory 'selected works from the last decade' Publication
2006 - Australian Country Style Magazine - Artist ProfileText
2007 - Art in WA - Review
2007 - Northern Territory Times - 'emily:explorer' Feature
2007 - Courier Mail - 'emily:explorer' Feature
2007 - Yarra Valley Leader - 'emily:explorer' Feature
2007 - ABC Radio National Bush Telegraph Program - 'emily:explorer'
2007 - ABC Radio National Bush Telegraph Program - 'emily:explorer' Update (Live To Air)
2007 - Rural Press Association - Artist Profile
2007 - ABC 7:30 Report - 'emily:explorer' Feature with Murray McLaughlin
2007 - ABC Radio National Australia All Over Program - 'emily:explorer'
2007 - Adelaide Advertiser - 'emily:explorer'
2007 - Sydney Morning Herald - 'emily:explorer'
2007 - Australian Geographic Magazine Feature - 'emily:explorer'
2007 - Mosman Daily/North Shore Times - 'emily:explorer' Feature
2007 - ABC NSW Regional 'Sunday Mornings' - Artist Profile
2007 - Wings World Quest - Recognised by International Women Explorers Foundation as Contemporary Australasian explorer: Arts/Humanities
2008 - ABC Regional Radio WA - Interview
2008 - ABC Regional Radio VIC - Program 'Books That Changed Your Life'
2008 - West Australian Newspaper 'Sunday Life' Magazine - First Lady
2008 - Australian Art Review - 'emily:explorer' National Touring Exhibition
2009 - RM Williams 'Outback' Magazine - Artist Feature
2009 - Melbourne Living Magazine - Artist Profile
2009 - Luxury Home Design Magazine - 'Big Country' Exhibition Feature
2010 - 'Big Country' Collection Catalogue
2010 - Fearless Femmes - Outer Edge Magazine
2010 - ABC Radio National - 'She Who Explorers' Documentary
2011 - Country Collections Magazine - Feature
2012 - APC Magazine - Inspiring Women Feature
2012 - Harbour View Magazine - Artist Feature
2013 - Mosman Daily - Exhibition Review
2013 - News Corp - Lifestyle Feature
2015 - Tasmanian Sunday - Home and Harvest Editorial
2018 - Sydney Arts Guide - 'Maps of Meaning' Exhibition Review
2021 - Hobart Magazine - Artist Feature
2021 - Mercury Newspaper - TAG Gallery Opening

Collections
Numerous public and private collections in Australia, Europe and the USA