Marijana Tadic

Marijana Tadic graduated in 1995 from Flinders University, SA, with a Diploma of Education. In 1987 she completed Postgraduate study research, as a guest student at the Academy of Fine Arts, Zagreb, Croatia, in the subject: Cultural Influence on Aesthetic Experience.

I n 1986 she completed her Bachelor of Arts, Fine Arts, SA School of Art, SA College of Advanced Education, Underdale, SA, majoring in Sculpture. In 1983 she achieved General Builder/ Supervisor's Licence, through SA Licensing Board.

In 2001 Tadic was successfully involved in the Gateway to Adelaide project at the top of Glen Osmond Road, and has since installed several commission works in public spaces in metropolitan Adelaide.

Inspired by the Australian open space, light,aridity and the experience of migration, her works use layering and weaving techniques to echo natural processes of sedimentation and deposition, metaphors for cultural intersection and overlap.

Tadic's most recent works includes medium sized sculptures, installation pieces as well as single and two dimensional wall sculpture. The medium sculptures combine steel structures with industrially produced tiles, hand cast glass and organic materials like eucalyptus bark. The play of light, its transmission and reflection, its textures and shadows, are featured within crevices, cracks and layers. Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights and computer programmed sequences will be used to accentuate this. These tactile works create aesthetic tension and entice closer examination.

One feature work from her 2007 Adelaide solo exhibition, "Eucalyptus Ablaze" is a sculpture installation using computerized lighting technique with references to 'burning off' as a way of controlling the environment. The 'cracked eucalyptus bark' steel forms are lit within and the light is programmed to move as a heat wave.

Other works include seismic scans, which are steel and fiberglass wall pieces, suggesting the fragility of earth's crust and the magnificently colourful layers of molten mantle and inner cores.

Tadic also produces exciting two dimensional wall constructions of steel and glass/mirror which make reference to the unique Australian light experiences such as shimmering, water reflections or mirages on the road.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2007
"Light Constructions", Hill Smith Gallery, Adelaide, SA
2004
"Seasonally Adjusted", Hill-Smith Fine Art, Adelaide, SA
"New Constructions", Hill-Smith Fine Art, Adelaide, SA
2001
"Salacious Offerings", Adelaide Central Gallery, Norwood, SA
1994
"Passionate Habits", Contemporary Art Centre, Parkside, SA
1987
"Reservoir" Contemporary Arts Centre, Parkside, SA

GROUP EXHIBITIONS (SELECTED)
2005
"Sculpture 2005", Soho Gallery, Sydney , NSW
2004
"Universal Playgound", Adelaide Festival, Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide, SA
2003
"Sculpture by the Sea" , Sydney
1999
"Child Within", Adelaide Central Gallery, Norwood, SA
1996
"Washing", Nexus Gallery Members Show, Adelaide, SA
1993
"Images of a first language", Prospect Gallery, Nailsworth, SA
1990
"Palimpsest", Chesser Gallery, Adelaide, SA
1986
"Underexposed", SACAE Gallery, Underdale, SA
"Quixotic", Union Gallery, Adelaide University, SA
"Come to Dinner", Adelaide Festival of Arts, SA
1985
"Fittings and Fixtures", Union Gallery, Adelaide University, SA

PUBLIC ART COMMISSIONS (selected)
2006
"Artscape", entry statement to Contemplation art work, Marino, SA
2005
"Contemplation", sculptures for Marion coast walk at Marino, Marion City, SA
2004
"Balancing Act", Freestanding sculpture, Mobara Park, Mawson Lakes, SA
2002
Screens and Safety Panels, Gawler Multilevel Car Park, Gawler, SA
2001
Gawler Caravan Park Fence, Gawler, SA
Narrative for Riverbank Signage, Adelaide, SA
2000
Stainless Steel Sculpture with Water Feature, Goodwood Community Centre Plaza, Goodwood, SA
1999
Walls and Water Feature Design, Gateway to Adelaide Project Team with Transport SA.
1996
Street Light Pole Surrounds, Gouger Street - Art Program, Adelaide, SA
1994
Swallowcliff Primary School, Elizabeth, SA. Designed a number of gates and fences, in collaboration with Greg Johns.
1993
Artist in Residence, Wilderness Girls School, Medindie SA In collaboration with Sandra Naulty.
1984
Commission, SA Deaf Society, Adelaide,
Designed and coordinated tapestry workshops with the Deaf and Hearing community.

AWARDS
2006
Victor Harbour Town Centre Master Plan with QED team, Certificate of Commendation, Planning Institute Australia, SA div.
2001
Gateway to Adelaide, Walls and Water Feature, Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Art and Architecture Award
1995
Swallowcliff School Redevelopment awards:
- Community Environment Art and Design - Australia Council;
- Sir Zelman Cowan - Best Public Building;
- Royal Institute of Architects, New Buildings category;
- Civic Trust State Award; and
- BHP State Award for creative use of steel.
1986
Geoff Lloyd Memorial Scholarship, awarded to the most distinguished final year sculpture student.