Barbara Nanshe

Central to Barbara’s artistic process of sculpture and contemporary jewellery
making, as an Australian ecologist, is a commitment to environmental
conservation. While fostering awareness and respect for all species, Barbara
balances positive female symbology and feminist Ideology within the
environmental themes.
Acknowledging the profound impacts of colonialism on habitat loss and
ecosystem degradation in Australia, Barbara explores the parallels between the
treatment of ecosystems, animals, and women, shaped by historical and
contemporary conditioning and patriarchy.
Barbara believes the current gender bias and the environmental destructive
practises reflect the same conditioned social values and beliefs.
Nurturing wildlife-rich spaces alongside her art medium, has enriched Barbara’s
life and strengthened her bond with the natural world. Through personal narratives
and experiences growing up in Tasmania, Barbara shares her interactions and
relationships with domesticated and wild animals to advocate for harmonious
coexistence.
Barbara focuses on recycled materials not just to show her commitment to
sustainability principles, but to often add a layer of meaning to the piece.
Incorporating antique pottery shards, she evokes nostalgia and prompts reflection
of our learned social and environmental values. Her Jewellery in particular, is
created to adorn the body positively, to enable self expression, connection and
conversation of the issues.
In expressing herself through art her practise Barbara hopes to contribute to a
transformative shift in our relationships. “Elevating the status of women can lead to
greater respect for all beings; the empowerment of women and women identified
people and accelerate land and ocean conservation.” Says Nanshe