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From a bird’s-eye view of Rome to the lesbian mecca of Malta, artist Maree Azzopardi’s new show takes inspiration from some of Europe’s most evocative corners.

The personal story behind the three-part Humana Series is just as intriguing.

I was in Europe in 2005 [and] a lot of stuff had just happened to me: the break-up of a long-term relationship, my father having a stroke and [being] near death, Azzopardi explains.

I went overseas on my own. It was a very cathartic journey for me.

Azzopardi sought refuge in an apartment overlooking Rome’s historic Piazza Navona, from where she observed the crowds below.

I was there for a week on my own. This is just me looking out every afternoon as the sun was setting and just seeing the shadows, she says.

I suppose for me they were actually quite sad images, because what you’re concentrating on is the outline of the shadow, so you don’t ever know the person.

Azzopardi is exhibiting the photographs at Libby Edwards Galleries in Woollahra for the Shadow part of her Humana Series show.

The related Relic and Flesh shows look at religious relics and the human form and will be in Brisbane and Melbourne.

Azzopardi chose Shadow for Sydney because in this city it’s like you’re a voyeur looking, you’re not actually connected.

Every state will see samples of the other, but for Sydney the main show is Shadow.

Azzopardi’s return to her hometown during the Mardi Gras season is fitting.

When I first started out in 1995, most of my shows were part of Mardi Gras.

They helped pay for my first lot of work to get to Rome, so I owe a lot to Mardi Gras.

Now based in Malta and Rome, Azzopardi still explores lesbian themes in her work. Her inspirations in lesbian mecca Malta include the so-called goddess temples, ancient shrines in the shape of women’s bodies.

I happen to be a lesbian -¦ and I grew up in a very Catholic family and I’m very obsessed with the Virgin Mary. And then the other extreme is the whole goddess culture, Azzopardi says.

The Humana Series -“ Shadow is on at Libby Edwards Galleries, 47 Queen St, Woollahra, until 20 February. For more information visit .