Tamara Dean is a critically acclaimed photo media artist working in photography, installation and moving image.
Dean’s practice explores the relationship between humans and the environment.
Solo shows include The Suspended Moment 2023, Palace of Dreams & Garden of Memories 2022, High Jinks in the Hydrangeas 2021, Endangered 2018, In Our Nature 2018, Instinctual 2017, About Face 2016, Here-and-Now 2015, The Edge 2014, Only Human 2012, This too Shall Pass 2010, Ritualism and Divine Rites, 2009. Dean’s experiential installations and use of moving image, and sensory elements reflect contemporary photography’s emergent and expanding fields. Dean was a selected artist for the 2018 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art with her photographic series In Our Nature and Stream of Consciousness (SOC) installation and was the recipient of an Australia Council for the Arts grant to assist in the creation of her SOC installation. Dean’s work is held in notable collections including the National Gallery of Australia Collection, Parliament House Art Collection, The Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery of South Australia, Artbank. Represented by Michael Reid Sydney + Berlin

Tell us about you and your style of Art

I am an Australian photo media artist. My practice extends across photography, installation and moving image. Over the past decade I have distilled the conceptual narrative within my work to make the simple and succinct point that humanity is neither separate nor superior to nature. Rather, acknowledging that we are a part of nature, as vulnerable to the same environmental pressures as every other living creature. To see ourselves as different and separate from the ecology and ecosystem of our planet is leaving humanity unprepared for the world we are shaping. My intention with my work is to make the point that this is personal. To depict the beauty and fragility of humanity to show how much we have to lose.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

I am particularly inspired by the paintings of John William Waterhouse and the Pre Raphaelite painters. I've also had significant photographic inspirations, but these were largely in my formative years. These would include Sally Mann, Mary Ellen Mark, Carol Jerrems and Eugene Richards to name a few. I still love poring over their work in books I have in my collection.

Where do you find inspiration?

In nature. In the sky, in a breeze, in light falling on a wall and casting shadows, in the last light of day, in the power of the ocean, in the myriad of different leaves on a tree. I am ever awed by nature.

Describe how art is essential to society.

Art is essential to society as it can both inspire and challenge the status quo. In a time of great challenges on many fronts, art can offer a different way of seeing or thinking.

What motivates you to create?

I would say it’s a compulsion. My work is where I find joy. It is a constant evolution, one body of work melding into the next. There are also works which have simmered for years and finally find their moment to become.

How do you define success as an artist?

Success as an artist is difficult to define. Actually creating the work which you want to be making would have to be number 1.

Does art help you in other areas of your life?

I think having a way of thinking which is creative can offer up interesting approaches across more menial parts of life. I find my sense of curiosity helps me find inspiration in the least likely of places, and this then also feeds into my creative practise.

How do you develop your art skills?

I try moving between mediums to challenge myself. I try and keep pushing myself to try new ideas and approaches.

Interview by - Sleiman Dayaa