Jessie Edwards-Thomas is a visual artist and Senior Lecturer in Photography at the University of the West of England, Bristol. Her practice explores the individual's relationship to society, with recurring themes of belonging, care, alienation, and power.
In recent years, Jessie has focused on interrogating the role of motherhood within capitalist systems. In 2024, she was commissioned by Ffotogallery, Cardiff, to develop this research, culminating in a solo exhibition at Chapel Cemetery. In Autumn 2025, she will begin a funded PhD at UWE to further investigate this area of her practice.
Her work is deeply rooted in community engagement. She has led projects addressing housing, mental health, and social care in contemporary Britain, including a 2021 commission with Bristol Photo Festival, Arnolfini, and Golden Key, which was exhibited at the Arnolfini. She has also partnered with organisations such as Falmouth University, the Royal West of England Academy, and InBetweenTime on photographic outreach and socially engaged art programmes.
From 2019 to 2022, Jessie worked as a research assistant on an EU Erasmus+ project supporting the inclusion of young migrants and refugees across Europe through creative community practice.
Her work has been exhibited across the UK, including at the Arnolfini, Ffotogallery, Oriel Mostyn, Peckham24, Bristol Photo Festival, FORMAT Festival, and the Royal Academy.
Contact
jessie.ed.photography@gmail.com
Awards & Commissions
2024 - It is what it is , Commission, Ffotogallery, Cardiff
2023 - Picturing Englands High Streets, Commission, Bristol Photofestival, Historic England & Photoworks, Bristol
2023 - Arts Health Early Career Research grant, University College London & University of Toronto
2022 - Vareki, Commission, Royal West of England Academy, Bristol
2021 - Shortlisted for Golden Key Great Practice Award for collaborative practice
2021 - Blueprint: Housing and Wellbeing, Commission, Arnolfini, & Bristol Photofestival, Bristol
2020 - Exceptional Support Beyond Teaching Award nomination, Students Union, UOG
2020 - Most inspiring Lecturer Award nomination, Students Union, UOG
2019 - Building our Homes, Commission, InbetweenTime, Bristol
2019 - The Biscuit Factory's Open Contemporary Young Artist Award
2019 - Shortlisted for The ESPY Photo Award
2018 - The Sproxton Award for Photography
2018 - Highly commended for The Photofusion Award
2016 - The Slim Hewitt Award for Photography
2014 - Shortlisted for The British Life Photography Awards
Education
2018 - MA Photography, Distinction - University of the Arts, London
2016 - BA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, First Class Honours - University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham