About

About Lara

CONTEMPORARY AUSTRALIAN VISUAL ARTIST

"I have learnt not to get too caught up in the outcomes but to just let the process happen and the magic will come".

STUNNING ORIGINAL ART - Exquisite statement artworks for Architects, Interior Designers, Home Owners, Stylists and Decorating Professionals that give the WOW factor, enhance and complete a space.

Australia’s most exciting emerging contemporary visual artist, Lara Scolari’s gestural paintings have made a serious splash on the international art scene.

Meet Lara Scolari

Renowned for her distinct 'abstract expressionist' style, Lara Scolari infuses her exuberant energy, passion and joy (with a splash of fun) into her exquisite original artwork.

Irresistibly drawn to the world of art as a child, Lara embarked on her lifelong pursuit by painting a magnificent mural on a wall of her childhood home. Her parents (who gave her the green light for the mural masterpiece) worked within the art and painting industry and were always encouraging her to paint with generosity and volume - a philosophy that informs her art practice today.

Featuring organic forms and fluid shapes, Lara’s stunning works are inspired by memory, meditation, music and the culture and essence of Australia. Captivating and magnetic, each of her paintings tells a story, showcased by a translucent, veiled colour palette that reflects the natural landscape.

Lara's highly sought-after paintings explore multi-layered organic forms, lines, shapes and composition that culminate in artwork that is contemplative and thought-provoking, while at the same time inspirational and joyful. Her use of tonal combinations with rich and luscious colours has been welcomed by many of Australia's leading interior designers, including the multi-award-winning Greg Natale.

Lara’s heart, soul and essence are imbued in the making of art. Almost like meditation, she immerses herself in her creative space every day. Inspired by music, Lara paints with her whole body, embracing energy and movement in her art practice. Capturing her distinct liveliness, passion and joyful spirit, Lara shares these gifts in each of her prints, original artwork and commissions.

From North America across to Europe, Asia and Australia, Lara's award-winning artwork is represented in both public and private collections throughout the world.

“Working with Lara is an absolutely seamless experience. The connection she creates as an artist is profound. You find yourself wanting a part of her joy and you can feel her personality – that joy, kindness and happiness – every time you look at her artwork.”

Michael Potter

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Scolari's Brochure

Artist Statement

I am a contemporary Australian visual artist, who lives and works full time on my artmaking practice within my vibrant light-filled studio located in the heart of Sydney’s harbourside village of Balmain.

Holding a Masters in Cross-Disciplinary Art & Design from the University of New South Wales, I also have many years’ experience working within the arts and cultural sector, and I draw on this invaluable wealth of knowledge within my arts practice.

Influenced by major artistic figures such as Brett Whiteley, Helen Frankenthaler, John Olsen, Hans Hoffman and Mark Rothko, I am an action/gestural painter. My work is produced in an abstract expressionist style that explores progressive experimental techniques and processes. Developing each work using a variety of media, I create depth through exquisite transparent layers that reveal hidden dioramas.

I am captivated by the way energy informs the painting and viewing process. Exploring a fluid and organic theme, my artwork visually captures the unseen energy, movement, life force and emotion that lies at the heart and soul of Australia, while reflecting the stunning palette of our natural landscape.

My paintings provide a space for you to engage with this spectrum of energy that provokes thought, conversation along with a sense of happiness and joy. I hope that my works evoke the freedom to transport yourself to another state of mind.

“Art is meant to be felt rather than understood”

Solo Exhibitions

Lara creates an exquisite new body of work every 18 – 24 months. These are highly anticipated events, where she presents her artwork within a series at a solo exhibition.

Explore Solo Exhibitions

View Past Solo Exhibitions

Group Exhibitions

Lara loves participating in group exhibitions with other talented creatives. These events are usually based on a theme or concept, which Lara embraces with wholehearted enthusiasm.

Explore Group Exhibitions

View Past Group Exhibitions

Education

2011-16Master of Cross-Disciplinary
Art & Design UNSW (MCDArtDes)
2009Guide & Volunteer Management, Western Plains Cultural Centre
2008-09Diploma of Arts Administration
Western Institute of TAFE
2007-08Post Graduate Visual Arts
Residency (Selective)
Western Institute of TAFE

2005-07Diploma of Fine Arts
Western Institute of TAFE
2004-05Certificate III & IV Fine Arts
Western Instiute of TAFE
1996-97Certificate III & IV Ceramics
Western Institute of TAFE
1990Riverside GHS
Huntleys Point, SYDNEY

ART RESIDENCIES

2013-15Hunters Hill Art Gallery, Hunters Hill, NSW AUSTRALIA
2012-13Artist in Residence, Ashfield Council, Pratten Park, Ashfield, NSW AUSTRALIA
2007-08Western Institute of TAFE, Dubbo Campus, NSW AUSTRALIA
2004Fresh Arts Residency, Dundullimal Homestead, Dubbo, NSW AUSTRALIA

Artist Run Initiatives

2015 currentLara Scolari Gallery, Balmain, NSW – Gallery Director & Principal
2013-15Hunters Hill Art Gallery, Hunters Hill, NSW – Director

Employment within Cultural Sector

2005 - 13Western Plains Cultural Centre, Dubbo, NSW (Arts Administration, Exhibition Installation & Education Officer)

Read Lara Scolari’s CV

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“I can never decide if it’s the line or the love of colour that Lara uses that draws all sorts of different clients into her enthusiastic art practice. Her work is full of energy and continuous originality.”

Dominic Maunsell
Maunsell Wickes Gallery