Artist in Residence

Shore Visual Arts teachers and students recently had the privilege of observing indigenous artist Jasmine Sarin at work in the Visual Arts Foyer for 5 consecutive days as she dedicated herself to a week-long artist-in-residence during this Term. Sarin, a proud Kamilaroi and Jerrinja woman, grew up in Jerrinja and Yuin country (Nowra) and Dharawal country (Wollongong). Sarin is also deeply connected to Coonabarabran country in Central West NSW. From these places, she draws inspiration in addition to the metropolitan contemporary landscape in which she lives and works.

Sarin is a self-taught visual artist, commercial graphic designer, firefighter, rugby player and active member of Boomali Aboriginal Artists Cooperative. Sarin’s vibrant artworks communicate stories from her ancestral past, personal childhood experiences and contemporary experiences in Australia. Sarin enjoys innovating with a range of symbols, patterns, colours, materials and techniques and her work references and builds on the timeless and rich cultural significance of Aboriginal culture and history.

Jasmine’s residency presented an exciting opportunity for students to increase their appreciation and awareness of Contemporary Aboriginal Art whilst deepening their understanding of artists’ practice and the different ways in which artists work.

Shore’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students were able to spend valuable time with Sarin, collaborating on a superb artwork which collectively represents their memories and aspirations. This artwork will be a cherished reminder of the valuable role that art can play in bringing people together to share ideas, communicate stories and experiences in the world. Past and present.