Fotografiska Emerging
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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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1d

Dark signs of a red summer's shadow — I explore a constantly shifting world defined by chaos, contradictions and

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1d

What happens to stars when they die ? — I explore a constantly shifting world defined by chaos, contradictions and

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Sparks II — I explore a constantly shifting world defined by chaos, contradictions and instability. Driven by a search

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1d

Lost in the thrill of it all — I explore a constantly shifting world defined by chaos, contradictions and instability.

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1mo

Dreams from a deep-blue summer.

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1mo

Afternoon light.

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1mo

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

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1mo

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

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2mo

The night is painted red.

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2mo

Fragments from summer.

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Early night observations.

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

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2mo

A hard rain's gonna fall.

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2mo

Some flowers still whisper in the wind.

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Sparks III.

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

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3mo

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

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3mo

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

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3mo

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