Vanessa Harper-Mathews is an internationally exhibited, award winning Australian photographer and interdisciplinary artist. A true polymath, her arts practice reflects a diverse range of subjects, from documentary to the conceptual. Vanessa's true creative north is symbiotic with nature, landscapes, the environment and exploring the Anthropocene.
Vanessa is also interested in documenting and storytelling, the psychology of what is unseen and perceptions of the human mind that shape our experiences and existence, including the complex interplay between place, memory and time.
After graduating with a Masters of Documentary Photography from Sydney College of the Arts, Sydney University, in 2010, then completing a Graduate Diploma in Art History, she went on to develop bodies of work centred around the landscape & social collective memory. She holds six university degrees, including three Masters level degrees. While working a 'day job' as a risk management executive in corporate environments, Vanessa continued her professional arts education in Australia, the United States and Europe, specialising in historical photographic printing processes. Her unique arts practice integrates contemporary digital photography and18th and 19th century antiquarian photographic processes, the result is an intersection between the material nature of these one of a kind, precious and historical articles and the ephemeral nature of the digital image in the Information Age.Her work continues to explore the landscape, and the Anthropocene epoch, including non-human futures.
Vanessa is a highly experienced and versatile photographer with the ability to shoot across a broad range of subject matter. Her work has been awarded, published and exhibited both locally and internationally and is held in overseas collections, including university museums and by private collectors.
In addition to her visual storytelling, she is also a prolific travel photographer, researcher, and writer, bringing extensive technical and professional experience to her vibrant, enigmatic photographic narratives, providing a rich and immersive experience for her audience.
Vanessa is an exceptional emotive storyteller, an artist whose work transcends the boundaries of culture and language. Through her lens she invites others to see the world through a perspective that fosters a deep connection and appreciation for the beauty and diversity that exists across our world.
A polymath in the truest sense, seamlessly blending a myriad of deep knowledge intellectual and creative pursuits, Vanessa's innate curiosity and her insatiable thirst for knowledge has led her to excel in multiple disciplines. Alongside maintaining a successful corporate consulting career Vanessa is passionate about life long learning. She holds six university degrees- including a bachelor of Adult Education, an MBA, grad. cert. in Risk Sciences and a Masters of Science in Coaching Psychology, alongside being a professionally certified/ qualified Pilates Reformer Instructor..
BIO
EDUCATION (SELECTED)
2013 Graduate Diploma in Art History University of Adelaide, SA, Australia
2010 Master of Documentary Photography Sydney College of the Arts, Sydney University, Australia
2000 Bachelor Adult Education University Western Sydney
EXHIBITIONS (SELECTED)
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
2018 Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize Finalist
2017 Maggie Diaz Photographic Award for Women Winner, 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 Winner & 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 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