With The Scapegoat, Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer presents her first solo exhibition at the renowned Sapar Contemporary Gallery in New York. From January 9 to February 15, 2025, the artist unveils a compelling body of work exploring the relationship between humans, animals, and nature, drawing upon the ancient myth of the scapegoat. Inspired by her classical training, her life in Tuscany, and a deep philosophical understanding, Ferrer offers a powerful and emotional exploration of universal themes such as guilt, grief, and redemption.
The Exhibition: The Scapegoat
Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer’s latest body of work delves into the ancient myth of the scapegoat, a narrative that transcends cultures and eras. First encountered during her studies of The Iliad at Harvard University, Ferrer found this concept to be a profound lens for understanding universal emotions such as guilt, grief, hope, shame, and redemption.
Drawing on pre-biblical and Paleo-Christian myths, Ferrer links the scapegoat narrative to contemporary practices like bullfighting, hunting, and the glorification of racing. Her work reflects a deep engagement with theological and philosophical studies, particularly the writings of René Girard and Kenneth Burke. Burke’s reflections on projecting internal conflicts onto external vessels strongly influenced Ferrer’s artistic vision.
Living in the secluded Apuan Alps since 2021, Ferrer has been inspired by the profound isolation and interdependence of life in her rural community. Her intimate relationship with nature and her surroundings, shared with her two herding dogs, Orso and Lilla, informs the authenticity and emotional intensity of her works.
About the Artist: Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer
Born in Morges, Switzerland, and raised in Florence, Italy, Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer grew up immersed in the artistic heritage of the Renaissance and Middle Ages. As the granddaughter of Audrey Hepburn, Ferrer was surrounded by cultural richness, yet she has deliberately carved her own artistic path, independent of her family’s legacy.
At just 18, Ferrer was accepted into the prestigious Advanced Painting Program at the Florence Academy of Art, where she mastered the techniques and theories of the Old Masters. Initially focused on a highly naturalistic approach, she later shifted to a more intuitive, emotionally driven style, exploring themes of inner reflection and universal narratives.
After spending six years in New York refining her practice and working in galleries, Ferrer returned to Tuscany in 2021. Immersed in the serene beauty of the Italian countryside, she began exploring the profound relationships between humans, animals, and nature, laying the foundation for her current work.
Emma Ferrer
Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer Portrait (The Scapegoat), 2025
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Emma Ferrer
At Sea, 2024
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In 2024, Ferrer earned her MFA from Central Saint Martins in London. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with prominent artists such as Golucho and Ivan Theimer and curated exhibitions featuring figures like Zac Posen and Eugenio Pardini. Deeply inspired by artists such as Piero della Francesca, Francisco de Zurbarán, and Goya, Ferrer’s work bridges classical traditions and contemporary thought.
About the Gallery: Sapar Contemporary
Sapar Contemporary Gallery in New York is renowned for showcasing innovative artists and presenting works that challenge cultural and disciplinary boundaries. With The Scapegoat, the gallery continues its tradition of offering thought-provoking exhibitions that resonate intellectually and emotionally.
This exhibition marks a pivotal moment in Ferrer’s career, not only as her return to New York but also as her first solo show, demonstrating her artistic maturity and distinctive voice. By weaving together mythology, philosophy, and art, Ferrer establishes herself as one of the most compelling contemporary artists of her generation.
The Scapegoat is more than an exhibition; it is an invitation to reflect on our relationship with nature, animals, and the myths that shape our cultural identity. Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer’s evocative works reveal the enduring relevance of these narratives. Hosted at Sapar Contemporary Gallery, this exhibition is a must-see for anyone captivated by modern art that combines intellectual depth with emotional power.