Independent Artists at Power Up Festival

Adam Laerkesen is an Australian sculptor who creates works featuring forms derived from nature. Using wood, metal, cloth, and found objects, he crafts sculptures rich in baroque sensibilities. His work has been widely exhibited and featured in media. Laerkesen holds degrees from Sydney College of the Arts and East Sydney Technical College of the Arts.

Born in Sydney 1954, Christine Webb studied at Sydney College of the Arts, with a career in magazine design and publishing, photography and journalism. Having worked full time on her art practice over the past 20 years, Webb has exhibited in Australia and internationally with work appearing in both private and corporate collections worldwide.

David Anthony Sant’s film making achievements are recognised within a significant number of international film making collectives. The films he has directed and produced combine experimental visuals and sound, with a recurring subject being the experience of location and space within urban environments using “extemporaneous film making”.

James’ work is driven by a deep desire to form meaningful connections and ongoing personal relationships, exploring the ways humans share memory, make culture, and find identity and belonging. Over the last thirty years of social documentary practice they have created an extensive visual archive in collaboration with Queer, First Nations and South Sea Islander communities. Their work has been exhibited and published internationally, and in Australia, and they have been selected as a finalist in the Olive Cotton Portrait Award 2023, Australian Life Photographic Prize 2018 and 2023, the National Portrait Gallery Photographic Prize 2007 and 2015, Moran Photographic Prize 2014 and were a highly commended finalist for the Sydney Life Photographic Prize 2009.

Jane Bennett is an industrial artist renowned for her evocative depictions of Australian industrial heritage. An en plein air painter, she captures the fleeting beauty of decaying structures before they vanish. A finalist in the Sulman, Dobell, and Wynne Prizes multiple times, Bennett's work is held in prestigious collections and offers a poignant reflection of our industrial past.

Renowned for her distinct 'abstract expressionist' style, Lara Scolari infuses her exuberant energy, passion and joy into her artwork. Featuring organic forms and fluid shapes, Lara’s 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. 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.

Leah Harris is an uncommon mixture of science and the creative arts. A self-taught creative and qualified scientist, she works to normalise marginalised groups and highlight the importance of representation for all people.

Margaret McHugh is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, video artist and creative practice researcher. As a practitioner, Margaret has directed, written and produced over 16 video works. Her films have screened at more than 50 national and international film festivals, galleries and online exhibition platforms, and have received numerous awards.

Matt Slatt, a former professional ballet dancer, has found a new stage in the vibrant art scene of the inner west. With a lifetime dedicated to movement, his art now explores the physical and emotional dimensions of the human form. Inspired by his rural NSW upbringing, Slatt’s work invites viewers to connect with their bodies and the space around them.

Samara Hyde Page gained her Bachelor of Fine Art at the National Art School, then acquired a Masters of Painting from the Royal College of Art. Samara’s current practice is driven by the pleasure of the gesture. She is currently working on a series of layered works using semi-transparent materials to investigate temporality and distance involved in a mark.