A vibrant exhibition celebrating the extraordinary talent and vision of Isle of Wight artist Gemma Bell is now open at Dimbola Museum and Galleries.
A commission born from the festival’s backstage world
In 2009 Gem was asked by Solo (organisers of the Isle of Wight Festival) to provide something to decorate their massive 15m x 25m V.I.P backstage tent.
She set herself the challenge of creating a pictorial history of every major Isle of Wight Festival from 1968 to 2009.
Blending old and new to capture festival history
Gem enjoyed combining a variety of methods to produce this body of work, from traditional drawing and painting techniques to shooting digitally through old medium format camera bodies and blending layers through the use of modern applications.
Drawing inspiration from festival posters, tickets, photographs and local memories, Gem created works that celebrate both the history of the Isle of Wight Festival and the creative spirit that continues to define it.
A legacy that endures
Although Gem Bell’s life was tragically cut short in 2011, her work remains as powerful and relevant as ever.
The exhibition will be on display in the Studio Gallery at Dimbola.
What else to see at Dimbola this summer
Visitors can also explore the museum’s renowned collections relating to the Isle of Wight Festivals along with the new Experience Hendrix exhibition and discover the Island’s rich cultural and musical heritage.
Where and when
A Pictorial History of the Isle of Wight Festival 1968-2009 by Gem Bell (Studio gallery) takes place between 13th June and 31st August 2026, open 10am-4pm daily.
See the Dimbola Museum and Galleries website for more information.
News shared by Elissa on behalf of Dimbola Museum and Galleries. Ed
