Soma Pandji Giovannini

I am an Italian-Australian artist whose practice is grounded in classical training and shaped by a lifelong engagement with design, culture and craftsmanship. My work reflects a sensitivity to form, tone and atmosphere, informed by enduring interests in architecture, landscape, philosophy, and Buddhist philosophy.

Alongside my artistic practice, I have an extensive background in the fashion industry, having worked as a designer, forecaster and in senior sales and marketing roles for some of Australia's leading retailers and fashion labels. Since 2013, I have also been Co-Founder, Creative Director and Business Development Manager of Abode Restoration, a heritage building company dedicated to preserving Australia's historic built environment. This work has further strengthened my appreciation for craftsmanship, materiality, and the enduring beauty of traditional skills.

A formative chapter of my life was spent studying closely with Buddhist Lama H.E. Prince Ratu Pandji Sakti of North Bali, where I was immersed in the rich artistic and cultural traditions of Bali and Java. In recognition of my role in fostering cultural exchange between Australia and Indonesia, I was formally acknowledged as a member of the Pandji Royal Family.

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

Education

My artistic training began at the age of fourteen under the mentorship of internationally renowned artist Antonio Goglia, with whom I studied for six years. This early training laid the foundations for a lifelong practice grounded in drawing, careful observation, and traditional painting techniques, with experience across watercolour, oils, palette knife painting and landscape studies.

I later developed my practice in tonal realism through the Doncaster/Templestowe Art Society, and a short while at Greensborough Art Society studying under artists including Peg Hyville and Peter Smalles and eventually continued my studies at the Victorian Artists Society. I hold a Diploma of Visual Arts from RMIT (2001) and a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion from RMIT (1986), graduating with High Distinction.

My studies have also taken me overseas, including life drawing practice at the Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial in Philadelphia. Over the years, I have been fortunate to learn from a number of respected contemporary Australian artists, including Robert Hollingworth, Vera Moller, Steven Cox, Peter Westwood, Loretta Quinn, and Jennifer Whitten.

I currently continue my painting practice and studies at the Victorian Artists Society under the guidance of Tim Murphy and Gregory Smith.