Episode 213 - Janis Clarke

Send us Fan Mail

Janis Clarke's exhibition at Olsen Gallery, The Other Sun, opens March 5th - 29th March 2025. 

Janis Clarke, born in 1983 in Sydney, Australia, is a distinguished contemporary artist renowned for his evocative oil paintings that delve into the nuances of perception and memory. His academic journey in the arts commenced with an Advanced Diploma of Performance Art from JMC Academy in 2003. He further honed his craft at the National Art School in Darlinghurst, NSW, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts between 2013 and 2015, followed by a Master of Fine Arts from 2016 to 2017 under the mentorship of Dr. Andrew Donaldson.

Clarke's work is characterised by tightly composed scenes that capture fleeting moments and introspective reflections. His paintings often present minimalist landscapes and interiors, prompting viewers to engage deeply with the act of observation. Working predominantly at night, Clarke translates his personal experiences and memories into visual narratives, emphasising the stillness and introspection inherent in nocturnal settings.

His solo exhibitions have been met with critical acclaim. Notably, in 2023, he presented Living a Life That's Perfectly Still at the Olsen Annexe in Sydney. This exhibition featured works like Full Moon and House, Blue House, and Window and Pink Lampshade, which encapsulate his exploration of light, shadow, and the subtleties of everyday scenes. The exhibition invited viewers to contemplate the act of seeing, not through detailed realism but through the lived experience of looking.

Clarke's artistic excellence has been recogniSed through his participation in numerous group exhibitions and art prizes. He was a finalist in the prestigious Archibald Prize in 2024, showcasing his portrait Beckah in the Studio, which depicted musician Beckah Amani. The portrait captured Amani's strength and resilience, reflecting Clarke's ability to convey complex emotions through minimalist compositions. Additionally, Clarke has been a finalist in other esteemed competitions, including the Mosman Art Prize and the Paddington Art Prize, underscoring his significant presence in the Australian art scene.

His works are part of notable collections, such as the Zimmermann Permanent Collection, the Macquarie Group Permanent Collection, and the National Art School Permanent Collection in Sydney.