Bend Till You Break Print

BIOGRAPHY Liana Vargas is a figurative oil painter based in Hahndorf, South Australia. At 48, Liana decided to pursue her passion for painting by enrolling as a full-time student at the Adelaide Central School of Art. This marked a significant shift after a 25-year career in the world of flamenco dance, where she worked as a choreographer and performer, showcasing her talents both internationally and across Australia. Though she has transitioned away from theatre, its impact remains evident in her artwork. Liana’s performances were characterized by her remarkable ability to resonate emotionally and forge connections with her audience, a skill she carries into her painting. Bold and sure. Her paintings show a willingness to express herself with authenticity, courage and colour. Liana's talent for capturing the essence or spirit of her subjects results in deeply felt expressions that reveal the raw, vulnerable truths of her experience—particularly that of a woman navigating life in today's world. Liana is currently working on paintings of her family and friends set in hyper-hued and sun-kissed environments that suggest holidays at the pool and palm tree-filled beach vacations. Throughout my youth I sketched… and I was good at it! But being the insecure artistic type I never believed that I was ‘good at it’. Its taken me a life time to get back to my roots… and I’ve never felt more content and more at peace. Life can take us on many adventures. I fully believe that the artistic nature can put its hand to most creative endeavours and excel… the medium is just the tool to express. The heart, the soul, the mind of the creator guides that hand. Now I paint and I refuse to be labelled a ‘This or That’. My brush or pencil wants to explore. It wants to see what it can do. Art is an Adventure and it has guided my life. It has led me to amazing, beautiful places both physically and emotionally, and I am eternally grateful. — Liana Vargas