Clio Art Fair Spotlight: A review by Julian Starks

Tsering Dicky
Jan 21
2 min read

Photographer in front of gorilla, bears, lion, arms outstretched. "Julian Starks-Photography/Filmmaker"

Artist Julian Starks

"As a fine art photographer, filmmaker, and conservationist, I use the lens to awaken awareness—elevating animals from behind the bars of captivity into enduring symbols of strength, spirit, and survival. Through my nonprofit organization, Visions of the World Inc., I unite fine art photography, immersive film, and emerging digital storytelling to advocate for wildlife and the fragile ecosystems they depend on.

At the Clio Art Fair 2025, I presented works from the reimagined Life Behind Bars, Volume I and previewed exclusive imagery from the forthcoming Life Behind Bars…Except if You’re Free. These intimate and emotionally charged portraits, captured in sanctuaries and zoological environments—and soon expanding into the wilds of Africa—blend classical photographic composition with contemporary conservation purpose.

This exhibition also marked the launch of Kings of Beasts, a 54,150-piece NFT collection created to amplify global awareness and generate direct funding for wildlife conservation. As part of this initiative, three collectors will be selected to join me on a photographic safari, contributing to the creation of the next volume in this ongoing body of work.

I am deeply grateful to the Clio Art Fair team for providing a platform that champions meaningful, socially engaged art and for an exceptional 2025 experience."

-Julian Starks

Julian Starks exhibited his work in the past at the 21st edition of Clio Art Fair, held from September 18-21, 2025. Here is a short interview with the artist and a review of his experience at Clio Art Fair.

Julian, can you please describe your art in four words?

Conservation-driven. Emotional. Cinematic. Transformative.

What inspires your art?

My greatest source of inspiration comes from three iconic women whose lives reshaped how the world sees animals and conservation: Tippi Hedren, Dian Fossey, and Dr. Jane Goodall.

Their courage, empathy, and lifelong dedication to giving animals a voice continue to guide the Life Behind Bars series, shaping both its emotional depth and its purpose-driven mission.

How would you describe your experience at Clio Art Fair?

My experience at the Clio Art Fair was both affirming and energizing. The fair created a space where meaningful conversations could happen—between artists, collectors, curators, and viewers who were genuinely engaged with the work and its message. Presenting Life Behind Bars in that environment allowed the series to be experienced not just visually, but emotionally and intellectually.

The Clio team fostered a professional, supportive atmosphere that valued independent voices and socially driven art. The level of organization, curatorial care, and audience engagement made the 2025 fair an exceptional platform to share my work and advance the broader conservation mission behind it.