“My art is a celebration of life…I love experimentation, details, the beauty of colours…the simplicity of the composition within the complexity of the mediums…Playfulness is essential in my practice :) inspired by nature, I combine the known with the unknown, in search for an instant of pure joy… ”
– Gaia Starace
Bio
Starace is a multi-disciplinary artist whose practice bridges traditional and contemporary techniques to create experimental and thought-provoking art. Born in Rome, Italy, and classically trained in architecture at the University of Rome, her work is deeply influenced by her Italian heritage and architectural background. Now based in Sydney, Australia, Starace draws on combining her love for the Zen philosophy to seek harmony and elegance in the composition and connecting with the beautiful Australian landscape, always experimenting and pushing the boundaries of the “predictable”.
Her art explores the spiritual, physical, and emotional connections between humanity and nature, inviting viewers into a dynamic dialogue with themes of cultural memory, landscape/natural beauty, and spirituality. Working at the boundaries of abstraction, Starace reimagines form through layered compositions in oil, acrylic, mixed media, pastel, and many other mediums. Her works are characterized by rich textures, bold colors, and sweeping gestures that capture the vitality and fluidity of human expression.
A distinctive and subtle “line” consistently emerges in her paintings, serving as a hallmark of her aesthetic vision. Evolving from structured forms to fluid, gestural expressions, this element embodies a profound sense of connection—rooted in her homeland and extending globally. It symbolizes her bond with family, loved ones, new encounters, her spiritual connection to the divine, and her introspective journey of self-discovery.
Starace’s art balances control and spontaneity, embodying themes of transformation and the intangible. Through her art, she aspires to influence perception, offering viewers an immersive aesthetic experience that transcends the physical realm and touches the essence of the human spirit.
With exhibitions in Australia and internationally, including solo shows, each artwork is signed discreetly on the back and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, reflecting her meticulous attention to detail and professionalism.
In addition to her artistic career, Starace is a practicing architect and interior designer and teaches Interior Design at TAFE NSW, Enmore, Sydney.
Solo Exhibition
2023 Forever Clouds, The Incinerator Art Space, Willoughby
Group Exhibition
2024 Form & Flesh, Herk Alexander Gallery, Stanmore, AU
2022 Stretch, The Concourse, Chatswood/Willoughby Council, AU
2021 Opening Curated by Sergio Gomez. Sponsored by Art NXT Level and ArtPlacer, an online exhibition.
2020 Summer Rain, The Brick Lane Gallery, London, UK
2020 Enigma, The Brick Lane Gallery, London, UK
2019 The square and the circle: a space of playfulness contemplation/A&D Annual, UNSW Art & Design, Cofa at Kudos Gallery, Paddington
2019 The square and the circle: a space of playfulness contemplation, 2019/Capstone Project, Comber Street Studio, Paddington, Australia
2019 Moon Rings, 2019/NOX Night Sculpture, Randwick, Australia
2018 This is What I have to Show For It, Gaffa Gallery, Sydney, Australia