Vanessa Harper-Mathews is an internationally exhibited, award-winning Australian photographer and interdisciplinary visual artist. Her practice spans documentary and conceptual photography, exploring the psychology of the unseen and the interwoven relationships between place, memory, time, and human experience.
With a Master’s in Documentary Photography from Sydney University (Sydney College of the Arts) and a Graduate Diploma in Art History, Vanessa has developed a distinctive body of work centred around landscapes and collective memory. She has further elevated her craft through professional development in Europe and the United States, specialising in historical photographic printing processes. Her unique approach blends contemporary digital and analogue photography with multimedia to explore themes such as the Anthropocene epoch and both human and non-human futures.
Vanessa’s work has been widely recognised, published, and exhibited both locally and internationally. Her images are held in private collections and university museums worldwide. In addition to her artistic projects, Vanessa regularly collaborates with non-profit organisations on social documentary initiatives and personal storytelling projects.
An accomplished travel photographer, researcher, and writer, Vanessa crafts vibrant narratives that inspire deep connections to the beauty and diversity of our world. She invites audiences to see and appreciate the stories of places and people that shape our shared existence.
Her 30+ year career in executive leadership and coaching complements her creative pursuits. With deep, large scale expertise in planning & project management, team collaboration, and stakeholder management, Vanessa brings exceptional professionalism and versatility to every project.
Vanessa is available for commercial, not-for-profit and other partner collaborations, with a focus on documentary, adventure and luxury travel, development of commercial image libraries and visual assets and editorial projects.
BIO
EDUCATION
2017 Master of Science, Coaching Psychology, Sydney University, Australia
2013 Graduate Diploma in Art History, University of Adelaide, SA, Australia
2010 Master of Documentary Photography Sydney College of the Arts, Sydney University, Australia
2006 Master Business Administration (MBA), Charles Sturt University, Australia
2001 Graduate Certificate Safety/Risk Sciences, University of NSW, Australia
2000 Bachelor Adult Education, University Western Sydney
EXHIBITIONS/ RESIDENCIES (SELECTED)
2024 Magnum Photos X Fujifilm Masterclass in Contemporary Image Making, Seoul, South Korea
2023 Residency The Scuola Internazionale di Grafica di Venezia, Venice, Italy
2019 Residency Chateau Orquevaux (recipient of the Denis Diderot Grant), Orquevaux, France
2021 Group Exhibition Birds, Gallery 3, Byron Bay, NSW
2018 Solo Exhibition Bella Venezia Gold Street Studios, Trentham, Victoria, Australia
2017 Group Exhibition Another Possibility, Dali International Photography Exhibition, Dali, China
2017 Group Exhibition Maggie Diaz Photographic Award for Women Finalist Exhibition Space galleries,
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
2016 Group Exhibition Shades of Blue Contemporary Cyanotypes, Potter Gallery, Missouri Western State University
2012 Group Exhibition State of Art Gallery, Hong Kong
2012 Group Exhibition International Art Festival, Museum of Russian Art, Jersey City, NJ, USA
2012 Group Exhibition Pro'jekt LA, MOPLA, (Month of Photography Los Angeles) Chop House, California, USA
2012 Solo Exhibition All Roads Lead to Isis & Beautiful Carnival, Brunswick Street Galleries, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
2012 Solo Exhibition Beautiful Carnival, ArtHouse, Sydney, NSW, Australia
2011 Group Exhibition SCA, Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery, NSW, Australia
2010 Group Exhibition Graduate Exhibition Sydney College of Arts, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
AWARDS / PRIZES
2024. Vienna International Photo Awards 2024 Honourable Mention, 'Our World’
2024 The Australian Photography Landscape Awards 5 Individual Awards - Highly Commended/Commended
2024 The Australian Photography Mono Awards Commended, “People” Category
2018 Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize Finalist
2017 Maggie Diaz Photographic Award for Women 1st place, Finalist (across multiple categories)
2013 5th Edition Julia Margaret Cameron Awards Finalist, (Cityscape & Street Photography)
2013 5th Pollux Awards 1st place, 3rd place & finalist, Alternative, 2nd place, finalist, Still Life
2012 International Art Festival 1st place + finalist, Alternative Photography
2012 Creative Asia Photography Awards Gold Award, Illustrative
2012 2nd International Donkey Art Prize Finalist, Photography & Digital Media
2012 Pro'jekt LA, MOPLA, Finalist
2011 The International Loupe Awards Bronze, Abstract / Illustrative Category
2011 The International Loupe Awards Bronze, People & Portrait Category
2009 Silvershotz International Journal of Contemporary Photography,2009, International Folio Finalist
PUBLICATIONS (SELECTED)
2019 Art Edit Magazine #22
2018 The Hand Magazine
2017 The Hand Magazine
2016 The Hand Magazine
2011 Exposure
2010 Photofile Issue 90
2010 Photofile Issue 91
2010 Broadsheet Contemporary Visual Arts & Culture Vol 39.3 September 2011
2009 Silvershotz International Journal of Contemporary Photography
I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where I live, work and create, the Arakwal People of the Bundjalung Nation and pay my respects to Elders past, present.
May we tread lightly as we walk together in this sacred land, guided by the wisdom and teachings of the Bundjalung people, as we strive to capture and share the beauty of this Country through our photography.