Born in Canberra, ACT, Australia, Divya Melaluca was raised in a creative family. She was drawn to the mystical and esoteric from an early age, and it was through painting that she realized she could bring her visions to life and become a storyteller.

Her artistic journey began in 2017, at Odd Nerdrum’s studio in Norway, where she spent six formative months. During this time, she met Alex Venezia, a painter who would become both her husband and mentor. In 2024, Divya continued to refine her craft by completing the drawing year at Lyme Academy of Fine Arts, where she now has a studio.

“Painting has two sides. As a storyteller, I must experience life, collect ideas, and return to the easel. But I must also remain focused and investigative, constantly striving to improve. The mystery of life is a quest, and painting is like a diary to document one’s findings.”

This work is inspired by the belief that we come from the stars and return to them when we pass. It reflects the idea that if we are all stardust traveling through this earthly experience, there is a fundamental interconnectedness with all things in the universe. The three figures in the painting symbolize this interconnectedness, while the bright star above the central figure represents the oneness of existence. This concept can be interpreted scientifically, spiritually, or metaphorically. We are stardust journeying somewhere, humble travelers of this vast and mysterious universe.