Episode 213 - Janis Clarke

Episode 213 - Janis Clarke

Author: Fiona Verity, Julie Nicholson and Gary Seller March 4, 2025 Duration: 1:00:03

Send a text

Janis Clarke's exhibition at Olsen Gallery, The Other Sun, opens March 5th - 29th March 2025. 

Janis Clarke, born in 1983 in Sydney, Australia, is a distinguished contemporary artist renowned for his evocative oil paintings that delve into the nuances of perception and memory. His academic journey in the arts commenced with an Advanced Diploma of Performance Art from JMC Academy in 2003. He further honed his craft at the National Art School in Darlinghurst, NSW, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts between 2013 and 2015, followed by a Master of Fine Arts from 2016 to 2017 under the mentorship of Dr. Andrew Donaldson.

Clarke's work is characterised by tightly composed scenes that capture fleeting moments and introspective reflections. His paintings often present minimalist landscapes and interiors, prompting viewers to engage deeply with the act of observation. Working predominantly at night, Clarke translates his personal experiences and memories into visual narratives, emphasising the stillness and introspection inherent in nocturnal settings.

His solo exhibitions have been met with critical acclaim. Notably, in 2023, he presented Living a Life That's Perfectly Still at the Olsen Annexe in Sydney. This exhibition featured works like Full Moon and House, Blue House, and Window and Pink Lampshade, which encapsulate his exploration of light, shadow, and the subtleties of everyday scenes. The exhibition invited viewers to contemplate the act of seeing, not through detailed realism but through the lived experience of looking.

Clarke's artistic excellence has been recogniSed through his participation in numerous group exhibitions and art prizes. He was a finalist in the prestigious Archibald Prize in 2024, showcasing his portrait Beckah in the Studio, which depicted musician Beckah Amani. The portrait captured Amani's strength and resilience, reflecting Clarke's ability to convey complex emotions through minimalist compositions. Additionally, Clarke has been a finalist in other esteemed competitions, including the Mosman Art Prize and the Paddington Art Prize, underscoring his significant presence in the Australian art scene.

His works are part of notable collections, such as the Zimmermann Permanent Collection, the Macquarie Group Permanent Collection, and the National Art School Permanent Collection in Sydney. 


There's a fair bit of nonsense that comes with trying to make a life in the arts, something Fiona Verity, Julie Nicholson and their host Gary Seller know all too well. Their Art Wank podcast cuts through that with honest conversations and a good dose of Aussie humour. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair in a studio or a pub, listening as these three curious artists dissect their own creative journeys and the wider art world. They bring on a fantastic mix of guests-practicing artists, curators, gallery owners, and teachers-to get real about the business, education, and personal hustle behind the paintings and sculptures. It’s not just theory; it’s practical advice, shared failures, and the occasional triumph, all wrapped in the kind of banter that makes the whole scene feel a lot less intimidating. Tuning into this podcast offers a genuine sense of community, whether you're an established creative, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates the messy, human side of making art. You’ll find yourself nodding along, laughing, and maybe even rethinking what it means to build a creative life, all while they navigate the ins and outs of the industry with a wry smile.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 100

Art Wank
Podcast Episodes
Episode 171 - Conor Knight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:48
Send a textConor Knight is an emerging artist currently exhibiting at Michael Reid Northern Beaches until November 25th so get online or down to the Newport gallery and see the show, El Aula, in person. Conor recently sp…
Episode 170 - Ochre Lawson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:44
Send a textOchre Lawson is an artist and teacher working out of Addison Rd Studios in Marrickville. She has a deep knowledge of colour and composition through self study and curiosity, Her work is free, flowing and colou…
Episode 169 - Caroline Zilinksy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:32
Send a textThis weeks podcast is with the brilliant artist Carline Zilinksy. Her show opens at Nanda Hobbs Thursday 9th Novmember so go see it! She recently won the peoples choice award at the Mosman art prize, congratul…
Episode 167 - Susie Dureau 'Soundscapes' and post Masters degree chat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:22
Send a textSusie Dureau is the first artist we have spoken to twice. She complete her masters at national Art school 2 years ago. She currently has a show on at Curl Curl Creative Space, Soundscapes, that runs until Sund…