Lauren Starr is a photo media artist, working in photography and mixed media. Her practice explores untold stories of women, often drawing from historical as well as mythological references. She is influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites as well as classical literature. Starr’s subjects are portrayed with reverence as she invites the viewer into the intimate and vulnerable worlds she has created. Her most recent series, ‘Luminaries,’ brings the stories of women settlers from the 1850’s into focus. Born from a longing to know her own ancestor’s better, and realising that their stories were lost to time, she has researched and re-interpreted the Goldrush era to portray the women time forgot.
Many of Lauren's artworks are composite images. She intentionally photographs multiple scenes and masterfully blends them together in post production to create something altogether otherworldly. Her works are painterly, whimsical and emotive, and she has recently begun experimenting with paint and golf leaf on her photographs.
Starr won the the Bluethumb Art Prize in 2022, both the photography and overall grand prize. Her work has been acquired by Parliament House in Melbourne, as well as the Bendigo Art Gallery.
Lauren lives and works in Bendigo, regional Vic with her husband, two children and curly coat best boy doggo, Hank.
Selected Achievements:
2024
Acquisition, Parliament House Melbourne
Finalist, Nyland Photography Prize
2023
Acquisition, Bendigo Art Gallery
Finalist, Beautiful Bizarre photography category
Solo exhibition, Luminaries
Ted x Speaker
2022
Winner, Bluethumb Grand Art Prize
Winner, Bluethumb Photography Category
Winner, Queenscliff Art Prize
Finalist, Maldon Portrait Prize
Solo Exhibition, Golfields Gothic
Group Exhibition, Bluethumb Gallery
Group Exhibition, Sydney Bluethumb Gallery
2021
Winner, Bluethumb Art Prize Photography Category
Solo exhibition, Memento Mori
Group exhibition, Space
