adam starnes

Adam Starnes, known colloquially as Van Gogh’s Missing Ear, is a multidisciplinary Australian artist recognised for his intricate line work, hyper-clean style and innate ability to convey vivid expression. Adam’s work ranges from illustrative paintings to large-scale murals where his figurative depictions of people imbue surfaces with vitality, exuberance and character; transforming otherwise lifeless walls into distinctively bold statements.

Having established his roots in graffiti—where he honed and developed his technique, Adam’s focus quickly shifted from traditional letterform to character design until it soon became his primary subject. Since making the decision to abandon the comfort of a successful corporate career in 2014 and allow his boundless creative energy to take centre stage unreservedly, his work has taken him around the world, painting everywhere from Berlin to New Zealand.

With simple geometry being integral to his work, Adam describes a design process in which he often finds himself ‘searching for shapes’. Harnessing a meticulous attention to detail, Adam executes his uncompromising vision with precise planning and inimitable finesse. Despite this refined approach, however, Adam measures the success of each piece not by visual impact or technical aptitude but rather how effectively it embodies the subject’s character, insisting that a visual representation of a person—not unlike any contemporary portraiture—should be an extension of personality.

Although traditional methods of painting remain Adam’s primary love, his work has evolved to incorporate a diverse range of mediums; digital art, canvases, murals, and prints are all well-represented throughout his body of work. Whether it’s pencil, paint, or pixels, Adam’s work exudes a unique charisma seldom witnessed in the landscape of street art.

Professional experience & awards