But much of its true beauty lies in the city's backstreets, where quiet moments of contemplation can often be as fascinating as the grand colosseum.

It is these moments which photographer David Starr has brought to life in his latest exhibition Solo a Roma.

Heading to Rome in 2016, David had no idea at the time what direction his work would take.

Staying in a Benedictine monastery in the centre of the city, each day he walked the streets of Rome, searching for inspiration.

He spoke very little for several days as he continued to traverse the city and this silence is reflected in his work

"I was initially captivated by the rich, warm colours of Rome, which is central to the exhibition but there needed to be more," he said.

"The silence, stillness and solitude experienced in the monastery, influenced the emerging shape of the exhibition, thematically. I spoke very little for eight days. Being alone allowed for a meditative creative process."

Throughout his travels, David said he was often drawn to images of local Romans alone.

"Even in the works without people, each work has a sense of silence, stillness and solitude."

For David, the use of story in his work is also extremely important.

While his photographs are visually stunning, he also wants people to feel a connection to the images.

"A felt sense of connection is what I'm striving to achieve with the viewers."

Just as the viewer wants to know more about the people in his work, so too do the colours of this historic city draw people in.

"Colour was central to my experience of Rome. The colours of Rome are what really engaged me," David said.

"It's a huge element of the exhibition."

The online exhibition at The Southern Highlands Artisans Collective (SHAC) is the second show for Solo a Roma, which was previously shown in Sydney.

David has a long connection to the Highlands, having first visited Robertson in 1987 and also honeymooned here.

But as to why he decided to hold his latest exhibition in the Highlands?

"The SHAC is what drew me in. The whole set up is magnificent. The team at The SHAC are very professional and supportive.

"I live for artistic expression whether it be my own work, music or theatre."

And in these strange COVID times, not even David's exhibition has escaped unscathed.

Before COVID, David said he had never thought about an online exhibition and the idea was initially strange for him.

"But adaptability has been important , especially in Covid times, providing the opportunity for the arts to blossom in new and different ways."

His exhibition opened last week and will close on Friday, August 21.

Visit https://www.theshac.com.au/david-starr to view the Solo a Roma exhibition.

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