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Australian artist, Indian coppersmith unite to showcase centuries-old metalworking tradition
'Analogue and Alchemy' combines contemporary sculpture with UNESCO-recognized copper and brass craftsmanship.
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IANS - Mon, 13, Jul 2026
- 06:49 EDT
- 17
Australian artist Elliot Bastianon and Punjab coppersmith Hari Krishan collaborated on Analogue and Alchemy / IANS
Australian artist Elliot Bastianon and Punjab-based master coppersmith Hari Krishan have collaborated on an exhibition celebrating the centuries-old Thathera metalworking tradition, highlighting cultural exchanges between India and Australia.
The exhibition, Analogue and Alchemy, brings together Bastianon's contemporary sculptural practice and the UNESCO-recognized Thathera tradition of handcrafted copper and brass work.
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Bastianon, an Australian artist based in New Delhi, is known for creating wall-mounted and freestanding sculptures by stacking identical metal components and electroplating them into dense, geological-inspired forms, The Australia Today reported.
For the exhibition, he partnered with Hari Krishan, whose family has practiced the traditional hand-forming techniques of Thathera metalwork for more than 200 years, according to The Australia Today.
The collaboration explores the relationship between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary art, demonstrating how heritage techniques can inspire new artistic expression while supporting the preservation of endangered crafts.
The exhibition also reflects growing cultural engagement between India and Australia through artistic partnerships.
In a post on Instagram, the Australian High Commission in India said, "Innovation thrives at the intersection of tradition and modernity. In a remarkable cross-cultural collaboration, Australian artist Elliot Bastianon has teamed up with Punjab's master coppersmith Hari Krishan to present Analogue and Alchemy — an exhibition that blends contemporary sculptural practice with the UNESCO-recognised Thathera craft using hand-crafted copper and brass."
"Beyond the striking visual art, this partnership supports a rare, generational North Indian metalworking tradition. It's a powerful example of how international creative collaboration can preserve cultural heritage while driving artistic innovation, reflecting deepening Australia-India cultural ties," the High Commission added.
According to UNESCO, the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru in Punjab preserve a traditional technique of manufacturing brass and copper utensils by hand. The craft was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014. UNESCO notes that copper, brass and certain alloys used in the craft are traditionally believed to have health benefits.
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