Soma Pandji Giovannini

Soma is an Italian-Australian artist whose practice is grounded in classical training and shaped by a lifelong engagement with design, culture, and craftsmanship. Her work reflects a sensitivity to form, tone and materiality, informed by interests spanning architecture, landscape, philosophy, and Buddhist thought.

Alongside her artistic practice, Soma has an extensive background in the fashion industry, working as a designer, trend forecaster, and in senior sales and marketing roles for leading Australian retailers and labels. In 2013, she co-founded Abode Restoration, where she continues as Creative Director and Business Development Manager, driven by a commitment to preserving Australia’s heritage-built environment.

A formative period of her life was spent studying under Buddhist Lama H.E. Prince Ratu Pandji Sakti of North Bali, where she was immersed in Balinese and Javanese artistic traditions. In recognition of her role as a cultural liaison between Australia and Indonesia, she was formally acknowledged as a member of the Pandji Royal Family.

Soma has exhibited in group exhibitions in Australia and internationally, including Melbourne and New York, and has undertaken site-specific works exploring themes of impermanence, ritual, and place.

Education

Soma’s artistic training began at age fourteen under the private mentorship of internationally renowned artist Antonio Goglia, with whom she studied for seven years.

She later developed her practice in tonal realism with the Doncaster and Templestowe Art Society, studying under artists including Peg Hyville, and continued her studies at the Victorian Artists Society.

Her formal education includes a Diploma of Visual Arts (RMIT, 2001) and a Degree with High Distinction in Fashion (RMIT, 1986).

She furthered her studies internationally through life drawing at the Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial in Philadelphia. Her practice has been enriched by study with contemporary Australian artists including Robert Hollingworth, Vera Moller, Steven Cox, Peter Westwood, and Loretta Quinn.

More recently, she has studied with Jennifer Whitten at The Art Room and continues her work at the Victorian Artists Society under Tim Murphy and Gregory Smith.