Ryley Clarke
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.
Tomorrow, explores my experiences of the world. I am drawn to chaos and contradictions, and to moments of instability…
Untitled.
Teal skyline. Tokyo, 2024.
Stillness in the sunlight.
Dark signs of a red summer's shadow — I explore a constantly shifting world defined by chaos, contradictions and…
What happens to stars when they die ? — I explore a constantly shifting world defined by chaos, contradictions and…
Sparks II — I explore a constantly shifting world defined by chaos, contradictions and instability. Driven by a search…
Lost in the thrill of it all — I explore a constantly shifting world defined by chaos, contradictions and instability.…
Dreams from a deep-blue summer.
Afternoon light.
Sparks IV - explores my experiences of the world. I am drawn to chaos and contradictions, and to moments of instability…
Blue weekend - explores my experiences of the world. I am drawn to chaos and contradictions, and to moments of…
The night is painted red.
Fragments from summer.
Early night observations.
Memories keep sliding away - a picture of stillness and quiet contemplation, after an emotional and challenging few…
A hard rain's gonna fall.
Some flowers still whisper in the wind.
Sparks III.
My sister, Miranda, lies in the morning sunlight, a picture of respite and quiet contemplation, after an emotional and…
Hold on tightly - captures the profound shift and struggle young adults have faced in the aftermath of the COVID-19…
Blue cloudy nights - from my zine 'Tomorrow' explores my experiences of the world. I am drawn to chaos and…
How to see the light without darkness - from my zine 'Tomorrow' explores my experiences of the world. I am drawn to…
Dust in the city blew into his eyes - captures the profound shift and struggle young adults have faced in the aftermath…