Photo: Sia Duff, courtesy of Guildhouse
Sarra Tzijan is an Indian-Australian artist, originally from Naarm/Melbourne, now based in Mparntwe/Alice Springs.
During early education Tzijan focused on drawing and illustration. In 2014 she completed a degree in Communication Design (RMIT), followed by an Advanced Diploma of Object and Jewellery Design (Melbourne Polytechnic) in 2016.
In 2018 she was selected to undertake an associateship at JamFactory in the metal studio where she continued on as a tenant until 2022. It was during this time Tzijan began working with Aboriginal Art Centres, which lead her to relocate to Pukatja/Ernabella in 2023 to fulfill the role as Studio Manager for Ernabella Arts.
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Tzijan makes sculptural, functional and wearable objects that honour traditional manual processes, re-interpreting these in a contemporary context.
Though her practice is founded in metalwork, her approach to making is naturally collaborative and includes diverse materials, championing collectivity and community.
Drawing on her mixed heritage, her work addresses cultural displacement and colonial influence across India and Australia.
As Tzijan’s ‘home’ and making space constantly change, so does her access to materials, which has a welcome influence on the outcome of the work.
p: 0457119597
e: sarra@tzijan.com.au
CV
Education / Training
2023 Pitjantjantjara/Yankunytjatjara Language and Culture Summer School, UniSA, Adelaide
2018 - 2019 Associate Program (Jewellery and Metal), JamFactory, Adelaide
2014 - 2016 Advanced Diploma of Jewellery & Object Design, Melbourne Polytechnic, Melbourne
2013 Introduction to Jewellery, Melbourne Polytechnic, Melbourne 2013
2009 - 2012 Bachelor of Design (Communication Design), RMIT, Melbourne Secondary School, CGSC, Melbourne
Exhibitions (solo)
2022 Ghar Aana: Coming Home, Stanley Street Gallery, Sydney
2022 Village Vessels, JamFactory Craft & Design Centre, Adelaide
2019 Primal Casting (Radiant Pavilion), Mr Kitly, Melbourne
Exhibitions (selected group)
2024 (current) Mining Memory, Post Office Projects, Adelaide
2023 Gold, JamFactory, Adelaide
2022 Profile FINALIST, (Contemporary Jewellery & Object Award), Australian Design Centre, Sydney
2022 Home:made, Craft ACT, Canberra
2022 From Little Things (Radiant Pavilion), Brunswick St Gallery, Melbourne
2022 Gosford Art Prize FINALIST, Gosford Regional Gallery, Gosford
2021 Contemporary Wearables FINALIST, Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, Toowoomba
2021 Small Connections, Craft ACT, Canberra
2021 Ceramix, Manly Art Gallery and Museum, Sydney
2020 New Taipei City International Metal Crafts Competition FINALIST, New Taipei,Taiwan
2018 Crossing Borders, Sarah Rothe (SALA), Adelaide
2017 The Boss (Radiant Pavilion), Melbourne Polytechnic, Melbourne
2017 Victorian Craft Awards FINALIST, Sofitel, Melbourne
2015 Untitled group show, Spacespace Gallery, Tokyo
2015 Supergraph, Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Melbourne
2014 Render, Brunswick St Gallery, Melbourne
2014 Scenes on the Yarra, Warrandyte River, Victoria
2013 City of Yarra ‘Unearthed’ FINALIST, Collingwood Gallery, Melbourne
Grants / Awards
2022 Biennale Delegates Program, Australia Council for the Arts
2021 Collaborative Mentorship, Franchesca Cubillo, NAVA
2021 Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups,Australia Council for the Arts
2020 Projects - Individuals and Groups, Arts SA
2020 Catapult Mentorship Grant, Christian Hall, Guildhouse
2017 Individual Development Grant, Australia Council for the Arts
2016 Overall Best Student Award, Melbourne Polytechnic
2015 Study Grant, Melbourne Polytechnic
Employment
2020 - (current) Studio Manager, Ernabella Arts, Pukatja
2022 Art Centre Manager, Iwiri Aboriginal Corporation, Adelaide
2022 Gallery assistant (temporary), Walkatjara Arts, Uluru
2021 Studio manager (temporary), Bula’Bula Arts, Ramingining
2019 ACH jewellery course, JamFactory, Adelaide
2019 Ceramic jewellery workshop, Ernabella Arts, Pukatja
2018 - 2019 Introduction to jewellery course, JamFactory
Workshops / Residencies
2022 Central Craft residency, Alice Springs
2021 Tom Reeves; mould making workshop, Adelaide
2019 Julie Blyfield; mentoring, Adelaide
2019 Elliat Rich workshop, Adelaide
2019 Dhokra (Indian lost wax casting) residency, Panchgani
2018 Tom Skeehan; design development workshop, Adelaide
2018 Lyndsey Rice; paper work installation workshop, Adelaide
2018 Junko Mori; metalwork masterclass, Adelaide