Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer was born in Morges, Switzerland and grew up in Florence, Italy where her conscience became replete with a visceral exposure to Medieval and Renaissance iconography. As a young painter, Ferrer also spent extensive time in Spain where she became drawn to the works of Francisco de Zurbaràn, and Symbolist painter Julìo Romero de Torres. Among her other strong influences are Goya, Manet, Giorgio de Chirico, Edvard Munch, Arnold Böcklin, and Félix Vallotton.

Early in her artistic career Ferrer pursued a classical education in drawing and painting. One of the youngest students ever accepted into the academy, at 18 years of age Ferrer enrolled in the Advanced Painting program at the Florence Academy of Art, a traditional atelier where she would be imbued in the techniques, methodologies, and theories of the great masters. There, Ferrer undertook exhaustive studies from of the live figure, studying human anatomy in depth as well as becoming fluent in classical materials in drawing, painting, and sculpture. Upon finishing school, Ferrer moved to New York where she would work in contemporary art galleries as a curator and international artist liaison, as well as become the administrative director of a Democratic Super PAC specializing in the sale of contemporary art as a means of political fundraising. During this time, Ferrer also gathered experience working in production and art direction for music videos and short films. Ultimately, she would return to live and work, devoting herself to her art practice, at her home in Camaiore, Italy.

Ferrer received her MFA from Central Saint Martins in London in 2024. Throughout the course of her education and professional years she has been mentored by, studied under, and worked for artists such as Vincent Desiderio, Golucho, Will Cotton, Cynthia Talmadge, Ivan Theimer, and Emanuele Giannelli. She has curated and assistant-curated the works of Zac Posen, Manolo Blahnik, 24th, 25th, and 28th Venice Biennale artist Eugenio Pardini, and 54th Venice Biennale artist Sofia Cacciapaglia for institutions in the US and Spain.

Solo Shows

2025

The Scapegoat, Sapar Contemporary, New York City

Group Shows

2024

MFA Degree Show, Central Saint Martins, London

2023

Berm, 133 Gallery, London

Stories Through Art, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia

All things current are found, The Chainstore at Trinity Buoy Wharf, London

Prizes

Piano Nobile MFA Painting Prize