Fotografiska Emerging
RC

Ryley Clarke

Approved
Bio

Ryley Clarke (b. 1999) is a Melbourne-based visual storyteller working across photography and film. His practice explores cinematic, affective, and experimental forms to illuminate the tensions and contradictions that shape both society and individual experience. Through a lyrical, documentary approach, Clarke uses the camera as a means of mediation—drawing closer to moments of instability, upheaval, and transformation. His work often examines coming-of-age narratives, dystopian futures, environmental concerns, self-identity, and familial spaces. Recent projects reflect on growing up in uncertain times and the emotional process of restoring and departing from a childhood home. A graduate of RMIT University, Clarke’s zine Tomorrow was published by the Centre for Contemporary Photography and Perimeter Editions. His work has been widely exhibited and recognised, including as a finalist for the Olive Cotton Award in 2025.

Country of residence

Australia

Nationality

Australia

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5d

Dreams from a deep-blue summer.

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5d

Afternoon light.

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5d

Sparks IV - explores my experiences of the world. I am drawn to chaos and contradictions, and to moments of instability

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5d

Blue weekend - explores my experiences of the world. I am drawn to chaos and contradictions, and to moments of

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19d

The night is painted red.

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19d

Fragments from summer.

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19d

Early night observations.

Memories keep sliding away - a picture of stillness and quiet contemplation, after an emotional and challenging few

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1mo

A hard rain's gonna fall.

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1mo

Some flowers still whisper in the wind.

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1mo

Sparks III.

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1mo

My sister, Miranda, lies in the morning sunlight, a picture of respite and quiet contemplation, after an emotional and

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1mo

Hold on tightly - captures the profound shift and struggle young adults have faced in the aftermath of the COVID-19

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1mo

Blue cloudy nights - from my zine 'Tomorrow' explores my experiences of the world. I am drawn to chaos and

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1mo

How to see the light without darkness - from my zine 'Tomorrow' explores my experiences of the world. I am drawn to

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Dust in the city blew into his eyes - captures the profound shift and struggle young adults have faced in the aftermath