Sienna Curby
Where are you from, and where are you currently based?
I was born in Sydney, Australia, and graduated from the Australian National University (ANU) School of Art and Design in Canberra. I’m now based in Paris, France, where I continue to develop my painting practice.
What medium do you work in, and what draws you to it?
I work primarily in oil paint. Its richness and flexibility allow me to explore the subtleties of human interaction and the delicate languages of touch that captivate me.
What themes do you explore in your work?
My work is deeply rooted in themes of memory, intimacy, and connection. I’m fascinated by the gestures and movements that shape our relationships, and I often use archival family photographs to explore these ideas. By reframing ordinary moments, I aim to uncover the beauty and emotional resonance hidden within them.
How did your interest in figurative art begin?
I began drawing figures as a child, studying the creased lines of skin and how mark-making could transform into expression. That early fascination with gesture and movement continues to inform my practice today.
What role do family photographs play in your creative process?
Archival photographs are a rich source of inspiration. I examine them closely, distilling fleeting moments into painted compositions. These images, once static, become dynamic through the act of painting - transformed into artefacts that extend the sensory experience of a moment in time.
What do you hope viewers take away from your work?
I hope my paintings offer a sense of catharsis and reflection. By calling attention to intimacy and touch, I invite viewers to contemplate their own memories and connections. My work seeks to reconcile isolated moments, opening them to new meaning and emotional depth.
What have you been working on over the past 12 months?
After completing my Bachelor of Visual Art at ANU, I held a solo exhibition at COX Gallery in Canberra in 2025. It was a wonderful opportunity to share my work and connect with audiences around themes that are deeply personal to me.