About

Shemza combines abstraction with traditional sculpting techniques and technology to create her work. As a sculptor her main medium is light, which she manipulates to create works that change over time. Handmade and bespoke interactive circuits are embedded within the pieces and this creates work which responds to the viewer or the space around it. Just as abstraction was said to be a ‘universal language for the masses’, Shemza has created a new visual language for a contemporary audience - one that explores the impact and legacy of technology on our world.

Shemza works in series. Each series has a different thematic exploration and a different aesthetic quality. From migration to climate change, Shemza explores many themes and ideas within her work and advocates for a sustainable practice. She uses her art-making as a tool to explore key concepts which are central to her individual journey through life.

Shemza’s mission is to make art accessible to all which she does through her workshops, talks and participatory art projects.

She is a resident at Somerset House Exchange, a fellow of Royal Society of Arts, a Member of the Royal Society of Sculptors, artist in residence at SPACER, a board member of EVA London conference and Manager of the Estate of Anwar Jalal Shemza. Between 2012-2022 Shemza co-founded and was Director of Art in Flux CIC.