Lara Chamas is a Lebanese artist, based in Naarm (Melbourne). Fleeing from war, her parents migrated to Australia, where she was born. Her practice investigates topics of postcolonial and migrant narratives within the context of her cultural identity. Using narrative and experience documentation, storytelling, transgenerational trauma and memory and tacit knowledge; her research explores links and meeting points between narrative theory, cultural practice, current political and societal tensions, and the body as a political vessel. Central to her practice is the expansion of these notions in a more historical and anthropological sense. With discussing geopolitical issues, research and first-hand experience is important to the authenticity of her work.

Chamas’ work has been exhibited widely including at Campbelltown Arts Centre, Gertrude Contemporary, Warrnambool Art Gallery, KINGS Artist Run, Bus Projects, West Space, The Substation, Incinerator Gallery, Canberra Contemporary Art Space, at Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and Griffith Regional Gallery as part of the National Emerging Art Glass Prize, as well as in Ramallah, Palestine, during a residency. Chamas is a regular contributor to arts discourse via mentoring, teaching, panel discussions, artist talks, and written text. Chamas has 8 years of community theatre experience, before working as crew on the premiere season of THEM at La Mama Theatre.