Monday 13 / July / 2026
An Australian contemporary artist and a master coppersmith from India's Punjab have joined hands to breathe new life into a centuries-old metalworking tradition, presenting a striking exhibition that celebrates both artistic innovation and the growing cultural ties between Australia and India.
The exhibition, "Analogue and Alchemy," brings together the distinct creative practices of Australian artist Elliot Bastianon and renowned Thathera craftsman Hari Krishan. Their collaboration fuses contemporary sculpture with the UNESCO-recognised Thathera tradition of handcrafted copper and brass work, creating a dialogue between heritage and modern artistic expression.
Bastianon, who is based in New Delhi, has earned recognition for his experimental sculptural practice. By assembling identical metal components and transforming them through electroplating, he creates textured wall-mounted and freestanding works that resemble natural geological formations, pushing the boundaries of traditional metal sculpture.
Working alongside him is Hari Krishan, a senior artisan from Punjab's Thathera community, whose family has preserved the craft of shaping copper and brass by hand for more than 200 years. The Thathera tradition, once practised by hundreds of artisan families across northern India, is now sustained by only a small number of skilled craftsmen, making its preservation increasingly important. UNESCO has recognised the craft as an endangered element of intangible cultural heritage.
Rather than simply showcasing traditional craftsmanship, Analogue and Alchemy explores how ancient knowledge can inspire contemporary creativity. The exhibition demonstrates that traditional techniques remain relevant, offering new possibilities for artistic exploration while helping safeguard a fragile cultural legacy.
The project also reflects the strengthening cultural partnership between Australia and India. By bringing together artists from different backgrounds, the exhibition highlights the power of creative collaboration to preserve history, foster cultural exchange and encourage innovation.
Through the enduring mediums of copper and brass, Analogue and Alchemy connects generations, cultures and artistic traditions, transforming Punjab's rich metalworking heritage into a compelling conversation with contemporary global art.
