Modern Contemporary Art for Interior Spaces
“Photography has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. As a child, I sat through family slide nights watching ordinary moments projected onto the wall, fascinated by how an image could hold atmosphere and memory all at once.”
Lianne creates modern, contemporary photographic art informed by patience, experimentation and a deep curiosity about the world around her. Her work explores the visual language of form, tone and movement, producing expressive artwork suited to modern and contemporary interiors. Rather than creating images that demand attention, her work contributes to the atmosphere of a space, working alongside architectural lines, materials and contemporary furniture to create visual cohesion.
Behind the lens
Before photography became her primary focus, Lianne Manley spent many years running a successful retail business in partnership, employing more than 100 staff. Managing a large team in a fast-paced environment established the professionalism, organisation and discipline she brings to her creative practice today.
After relocating to Asia with her family, Lianne returned to a long-standing fascination with photography. What began as a course taken to explore a new environment gradually became a dedicated artistic practice, refined through ongoing study and experimentation.
Artistic philosophy
“While many photographers pursue dramatic scenes or fleeting spectacle, I’ve always been drawn to a slower way of looking. Subtle movement, texture and form capture my attention, and I often spend long periods observing small details others might overlook. That patient way of seeing informs my artistic philosophy. Through experimentation with light, composition and photographic technique, I create expressive artwork where tonal depth and softness become central to the image..”
Art within modern contemporary interiors
Modern contemporary interiors rarely follow a single formula. Designers combine clean lines with layered materials, sculptural furniture and evolving influences to create spaces that feel current and balanced. Within this aesthetic, artwork helps bring the room together. It introduces continuity between palette, texture and form while adding character to the space.
Lianne’s photographic artwork works naturally within this environment. The tonal depth, natural textures and painterly quality of her images allow them to complement a wide range of contemporary interiors while supporting the overall atmosphere of the design.
Working with interior designers
For interior designers, selecting artwork is rarely about decorating an empty wall. It is about how a piece contributes to the style and supports the composition of materials, furniture and architectural form within the room.
Lianne approaches artwork with this same design awareness. Each piece is created with consideration for how art sits within a space, where scale, tone and finish influence visual balance. When placed thoughtfully, artwork can introduce calm, depth and cohesion, reinforcing the design language rather than competing with it.
Artistic recognition
2025 Port Stephens Art Prize – Photography 1st Place
2025 Australian Photographic Prize – In Camera Artistry Top 30
2025 Australia’s Top Emerging Photographer – Single Shot Top 10
2025 Landscape Awards – Top 20
2025 Head On Photo Festival – Semi Finalist
2023 Zephyr Photography Awards – Finalist
2023 Australian Photographer of the Year – Highly Commended
2022 Australian Photographer of the Year – Highly Commended
2021 Australia’s Top Emerging Photographers – Landscape Highly Commended
2020 Better Photography Awards – Revealing Nature Top 20
2020 Featured Artist – Stylish Life Magazine, December
2025 Port Stephens In Print – Still Life 1st Place
2025 Australian Photographic Prize – Open Highly Commended
2025 Australia’s Top Emerging Photographer – Art Finalist
2025 Nyland Photographic Art Prize – Finalist
2024 Nyland Photographic Art Prize – Finalist
2023 Nyland Art Prize – Finalist
2022 Mosman Photography Awards – Monochrome Winner
2021 Australia’s Top Emerging Photographers – Open Highly Commended
2020 Australian Photographer of the Year – Animal & Nature Highly Commended (x2)
2019 Australian Photographer of the Year – Landscape Top 20
“Exhibitions and awards allow my work to step beyond the studio and be seen within the broader art world. Through art fairs and exhibitions, I’ve had the opportunity to share pieces with collectors, designers and curators, and it’s always rewarding to see the work resonate enough to find a home.”
Work with Lianne
Interior designers are welcome to collaborate on artwork selection, commissions and custom pieces for modern contemporary homes and commercial interiors.