Tjaša Iris

curriculum vitae

Slovenian painter Tjaša Iris, (born Demšar) was born in Kranj, Slovenia in 1968. Her studies were concentrated outside of Slovenia and from 1988 to 1991 she studied at Fortman Studios Florence (Italy), International School of Fine Art where she earned her diploma in painting and photography. After a short exchange program at the University of Staffordshire, England, she completed her artistic education at the Academie Minerva at Groningen, The Netherlands, initially concentrating her studies in the Audio/Visual department (photography, video, computer animation, painting) and later her Master of Fine Arts Degree in Painting, her final chosen field of study. Tjaša Iris is an avid traveller and has resided in Venice for seven years and lived for two years in California (U.S.A.). A part from these extended residencies she has travelled extensively all over the world and has been invited to several Artist in Residency Programs, as four stays at Cite International des Art in Paris. These travels have allowed her to exhibit her artwork in many European, South African and American Galleries. Her paintings are now to be found in several public and private collections. From 2004 she lived between Paris and Branik, where she worked. Lately she has been very much attracted by explosive energy of the South-East Asia. Followed by stays in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Bali, Indonesia. Collaboration with Asian galleries as Instinc in Singapore, Wina Gallery in Bali and 116 Art Gallery in Chiang Mai, Thailand. She exhibited as well as a “NEW FIND” at Art Singapore 2010 and extensively at AAF Singapore 2010.

She learnt seven languages, five of which she speaks fluently. Apart from her painting she also bought a big ancient family home in Branik, Precoastal Wine Country of Slovenia, about an hour from Venice in 2004. After the initial restoration she converted the villa into an Artist's Residency, where she runs annual Villa Flora Artist in Residency Program.

most important personal exhibitions

(* indicates a publication)

2011 KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, UCSI Kuala Lumpur University. *

2010 UBUD, BALI, INDONESIA, Wina Gallery. (two women show)

2010 SINGAPORE, AAF – The Affordable Art Fair Singapore, E7. *

2010 SINGAPORE, As NEW FIND at ART SINGAPORE 2010. *

2010 SINGAPORE, Instinc Art Gallery. *

2009 KOPER, SLOVENIA, Gallery Meduza, Coastal Galleries Piran. *

2005 BRANIK, SLOVENIA, Villa Flora. Open Studio "PARIS PAINTINGS".

2005 PARIS, FRANCE Two man show Tjaša Demšar and Diek Grobler (South Africa), Cite´Internationale des Arts.

2003 ONLINE, U.S.A., d’ART Gallery

2000 MURSKA SOBOTA, SLOVENIA, Gallery Murska Sobota. *

1999  SKOFJA LOKA, SLOVENIA, Gallery Groharjeva. *

1998  IZOLA, SLOVENIA, Gallery Insula.

1998  LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA. Gallery Krka. *

1998  PAESE, TREVISO, ITALY, Municipal Gallery.

1997  CAERANO DI SAN MARCO, TREVISO, ITALY. Gallery Villa Benzi Zecchini.

1996 AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, ART EXPO, Amsterdam RAI.
1993  GRONINGEN, THE NETHERLANDS, “Yellow Labyrinth”, Gallery »S«.*

upcoming personal exhibitions

2012 BANGKOK, THAILAND, Rotunda Gallery, Nielson Hays Library & Galleries, 31 Jan. – 26 Feb.

2012 SINGAPORE, “The Substation” Cultural Art Center, 22 May – 2 June 2012.

2012 DUBAI, U.A.E., Dubai International Art Center, 17 October – 3 November 2012.

2013 CHIANG MAI, THAILAND Chiang Mai Art Center, Art Museum at Chiang Mai University, in November.

2013 TRIESTE, ITALY, Serra della Rivoltella, City Contemporary Art Exhibition Space.

2013 BAGKOK, THAILAND, Jamuree State Art Gallery, at Chulalongkorn University.

2013 FLORENCE, ITALY, Biennale Internazionale d’Arte Contemporanea di Cita’ di Firenze, Fortezza Da Basso.

most important group exhibitions

(* indicates a publication)

2011 CIANG MAI, THAILAND, 116 Art Gallery, “Nouvelle Expressionisme” (four women show), 15 Dec. 2011 12. Feb. 2012. *

2011 SEZANA, SLOVENIA, Slovenia Opened for Art Sinji Vrh International Art Symposium at Srecko Kosovel

Cultural Art Center *

2011 BREZICE, SLOVENIA Franc Les Art Collection at Brezice Posavski Museum, 11. Nov. 2011 – 8. Jan. *

2011 SIENA, ITALY “Drawing Connections”, Siena Art Institute - founded by John Getty III, 24 Sept.

2011 SINJI VRH, SLOVENIA, Slovenia Opened for Art, 1 July *

2011 AJDOVSCINA, SLOVENIA, Slovenia Opened for Art, at Lična hisa Art Gallery 30 June *

2011 CATEZ OB SAVI, SLOVENIA, “Franc Les” Artist Colony at County Hall.

2010 SENCUR, SLOVENIA, “Zlata Ribica” Art Collection at Sencur Museum. *

2010 BOVEC, SLOVENIA, “Zlata Ribica” Art Collection, Fortress Kluze Exhibition Space. *

2010 HONG KONG, “Unwrap Your Mind”, That Gallery.

2010 SLOVENJ GRADEC, SLOVENIJA, Majski salon *

2010 HONG KONG, “4x6”, That Gallery.

2010 TOLMIN, SLOVENIA, “Zlata Ribica” Artist in Residency, Tolmin Public Library Exhibition Space. *

2009  PIRAN, SLOVENIA, Ex-Tempore Piran, Coastal Galleries Piran.

2009  BRANIK , SLOVENIA, Villa Flora Artist's Residency Program. Villa Flora.

2009 CASTAGNO, TUSCANY, ITALY, Artist's Colony Atelier d'Artista, "Il Genio Fiorentino Art Festival". Villa Castagno.

2009 GAMBASI TERME, TUSCANY, ITALY, Artist's Colony Atelier d'Artista. "Il Genio Fiorentino Art Festival". Piazza Gambasi Terme.

2008  MEDANA , SLOVENIA, “MMM art” Artist's Colony. Klinec.

2008  BRANIK , SLOVENIA, Villa Flora Artist's Residency Program. Villa Flora.

2008  BARCELONA, SPAIN, "Artterre Group", Galeria Zero.

2008  PIRAN, SLOVENIA, Ex-Tempore Piran, Magazin Monfort.

2008  LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA, “Members of Kranj Artist's Association”, Galerija ZDSLU.

2007  LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA, “December Holiday Sale”, Galerija ZDSLU.

2007  PIRAN, SLOVENIA, Ex-Tempore Piran, Magazin Monfort.

2007  MURSKA SOBOTA, SLOVENIA, Majski salon, Galerija Murska Sobota *

2006  CAMPELLO SUL CLITUGNNO, ITALY, “Vita bellissima”, Studio Lithos.

2004  CAMPELLO SUL CLITUGNNO, ITALY, “Ecce Uomo”, Studio Lithos.

2003 PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, "BRAKE A SILENCE ARROUND HIV/Aids", Mind’s I Art Space.

2003 PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, "FINE LINE", Mind’s I Art Space.

2002 PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA "MAIL ART", Mind’s I Art Space.

2002  KRANJ, SLOVENIA, Kranj Biennal. France Prešern House, Kranj Museum. *

2002 PASIANO DI PORDENONE, ITALY, "FOUR WOMAN ARTISTS EXHIBITION", Villa Saccomani, *

2000  KOPER, SLOVENIA, “December Exhibition”, Galerija Meduza.

1998  KRANJ, SLOVENIA, “May Days”, Mala Gallery, Kranjski Museum.

1997  IZOLA, SLOVENIA, “Marine Universe”. Gallery Alga.

1997 IZOLA, SLOVENIA, EX  TEMPORE – Korte nad Izolo.

1995  MARIBOR, SLOVENIA, First Slovenian Festival of Computer art, Maribor Contemporary Art Center.

1995  GRONINGEN, THE NETHERLANDS, “Minerva Artists”, Martini Zichenhuis.

1995  GRONINGEN, THE NETHERLANDS, “Minerva Artists”, Martini hall.

1994  ORVELTE, DRENTHE, THE NETHERLANDS, “The Path of Painters”, Orvelte, 12th century village – museum orders her a painting (1,5 x 2,5 m), that will remain exhibited in the country – side near Orvelte for the following ten years.

1992  GRONINGEN, THE NETHERLANDS, »Blue Labyrinth«. Gallery »Biemonds Belang«.

1990-2 FLORENCE, ITALY “Photography Exhibitions”, International School of Fine Art Fortman Studios.

upcoming group exhibitions

2012 KIEV, UCRAINE, Museum of Fine Art of Kiev, “Art Week Ucraine” in November

2012 IDRIJA, SLOVENIA, Slovenia Opened for Art Sinji Vrh International Art Symposium at Gewerkenegg Museum of Idria

2012 RADOVLJICA, SLOVENIA, Slovenia Opened for Art Sinji Vrh International Art Symposium at Sivceva hisa Museum

2012 GORIZIA, ITALY, Slovenia Opened for Art Sinji Vrh International Art Symposium at Cosic Gallery

recent publications, press, radio, TV

2011 CHIANG MAI, THAILAND, Chiang Mai Mail, (English On-line Newspaper) Jean-Pierre

2011 CHIANG MAI, THAILAND, Chao (Japanese Newspaper)

2011 SINGAPORE, video, Gim Shum TV, “Tjaša Iris at AAF ART FAIR Singapore 2010…” DailyMotion

2011 SINGAPORE, video, Gim Shum TV, “Tjaša Iris “Garden of Eden” Exhibition at Meduza Gallery…” DailyMotion

2011 LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA, “Umetniki pred mikrofonom” (Artists in front of Microphone), Interview with Tjaša Iris, by Tatjana Gregoric, SLOVENIA 3 National Radio, 16 July at 11.05 am.

2011 KOPER, SLOVENIA, One Hour Radio Interview with Tjaša Iris, Tatjana Gregoric, Slovenian National Radio & Radio Koper, 10 May at 8 pm.

2010 BALI, INDONESIA Bisines.com, “Happy Place”, 3. dec.

2010 BALI, INDONESIA, The Beat Magazine, Bali and Jakarta Event Guide, “Happy Place”, 3. Dec.

2010 BALI, INDONESIA, article, Bali Post, “Happy Place”, 1 Dec.

2010 BALI, INDONESIA, article, Henny Handayani, Bali Voice Art Magazine, “Happy Place”, Jan.

2010 SINGAPORE, video, Gim Shum, “Tjaša Iris NEW FIND at Art Singapore 2010”, YouTube

2010 SINGAPORE, The Straits Times, “Singapore Art Fair 2010”, 9 Oct.

2010 LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA, radio interview, Tatjana Gregoric, Slovenian National Radio & Radio Koper, “Interview with Tjaša Iris”, 28 May

2010 TOLMIN, SLOVENIA, TV video, “Zlata Ribica Artist Colony”, Mavricna Hiša Production, May

2010 SINGAPORE, video, Gim Shum, “Garden of Eden”, YouTube

2010 SINGAPORE, ARTS Beat, 25 Feb. – 3 Mar. “Garden of Eden”

2010 SINGAPORE, ARTS Beat, 11 – 24 Feb. “Garden of Eden”

2010 LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA, web interview, Giovanna Pasculli, Tjaša Iris in Singapore “Garden of Eden” exhibition, www.si21.com, 22 feb.

2009 KOPER, SLOVENIA Catalogue published in the occasion of personal exhibition at Gallery Meduza, Coastal Galleries Piran. ISBN 978-961-6394-36-9, text Tatjana Sirk

2009 KOPER, SLOVENIA, article national daily newspaper, Alenka Penjak, “Healty Mind in the Crimson of Fire”, Primorske novice, 3. May

2009 KOPER, SLOVENIA, magazine publication, “Vrtnarjeva Hiša”, photo of a painting, Bonbon Magazine, 12 May

2009 KOPER, SLOVENIA, national TV evening news video, Emanuella Gherardi Seppi, “Painting Exhibition of Tjaša Iris at Gallery Meduza”, Slovenian National TV – Koper – Capodistria, 6 May

2008 LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA, radio interview, Tatjana Gregoric, “Interview with Tjaša Iris”, Slovenian National Radio & Radio Koper, 8 Sep.

2008 NOVA GORICA, SLOVENIA 8 min long TV Program by TV Primorka, Interview with Tjaša Iris about her work and the First Artis's Residency Program at Villa Flora Session, 30 August.

…. other art critics who wrote about the work of Tjaša Iris: Govanni Bianchi (Italy), Alessandra Santin (Italy), Polona Hafner (Slovenia), Robert Inhof (Slovenia), Anamarija Stibilj Šajn (Slovenia).

grants, scholarships, prices

1997  LJUBLANA, SLOVENIA In February she receives by Ministry of Culture the title »Status of Artist Sponsored by Slovenian government«.

1994  LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA Scholarship by the Republic of Slovenia for talented students »Zoisova«.

1992  GRONINGEN, THE NETHERLANDS Grant by the Foundation De Groot – Brughman fonds, for the participation at the International Performance Art Workshop in Spain.

1990  FLORENCE, ITALY Scholarship from International School of Fine Art Fortman Studios, for excellent results gained.

residencies

2011 SINJI VRH, SLOVENIA, “Slovenia Opened for Art” - International Art Symposium

2011 CATEZ OB SAVI, SLOVENIA, “Franc Les” Artist Colony

2011 CHIANG MAI, THAILAND 116 Art Gallery Residency

2011 UBUD, BALI, INDONESIA Villa Flora in Bali Artist in Residency Program

2010 TOLMIN, SLOVENIA Zlata Ribica Art Colony

2010 SINGAPORE Instinc Artist in Residency Program

2009 BRANIK, SLOVENIA Villa Flora Artist in Residency Program

2009 GAMBASSI TERME, TUSCANY, ITALY Atelier d’Artista Artist’s Residency, “Il Genio Fiorentino Festival”

2008 MEDANA, SLOVENIA MMM Art, Artist’s Colony

2008 BRANIK, SLOVENIA Villa Flora Artist in Residency Program

2007 PARIS, FRANCE Grant from French Ministry for External Affaires for a 2 month stay at Cite´ International des Arts.

2006 PARIS, FRANCE Grant from Slovenian Art Association for a 2 month stay at Cite´ International des Arts

2005 PARIS, FRANCE Grant from Slovenian Art Association for a 2 month stay at Cite´ International des Arts.

2000 PARIS, FRANCE Grant from Slovenian Art Association for a 2 month stay at Cite´ International des Arts.

up coming residencies

2011 KERALA, INDIA, Gowry Art Institute, Trivandrum, in March.

2012 RAB, CROATIA, Art Colony Paradiso, in September.

public collections
2011 SIENA, ITALY, Siena Art Institute - founded by John Getty III.

2011 GORIZIA, ITALY Banca Agricole Friuli Adria

2011 BRANIK, SLOVENIA Villa Flora Art Collection

2011 CATEZ OB SAVI, SLOVENIA, “Franc Les” Art Collection.

2011 NOVA GORICA, SLOVENIA, National Health Insurance Organization.

2010 TOLMIN, SLOVENIA, “Zlata Ribica” Art Collection,

2009 GAMBASI TERME, ITALY, “Toscana In Art Collection”, Atelier d'Artista Association.

2008  MEDANA , SLOVENIA, “MMM Art Collection” . Klinec.

2002 LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA Public City Library Art Collection.

1998 PAESE, ITALY County Hall Art Collection.

1997 CAERANO DI SAN MARCO, ITALY Cultural Foundation Villa Benzi Zecchin Art Collection.

1996  IZOLA, SLOVENIA Korte nad Izolo, Town Hall Art Collection.

1995 GRONINGEN, THE NETHERLANS, Hanse Hooghe School.

1994  ORVELTE VILLAGE, THE NETHERLANDS, Commissioned Work - Large painting on the "Path of Painters".

writtings

1992  LJUBLANA, SLOVENIA Article on Virtual Reality published in the »Periodical for the Critique of Science« (Časopis za kritiko znanosti), n.150 – 151, page 99 – 109. Publishing as well her computer graphic work.

lecture

2011 KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, UCSI Kuala Lumpur University.

workshops

1997 CAERANO DI SAN MARCO, ITALY Cultural Foundation Villa Benzi Zecchin

1998 – 2011 TUSCANY, PUGLIA, PROVENCE, VENICE, SLOVENIAN ALPS, PRIMORSKA PRECOASTAL SLOVENIA, BALI… Intensive one week to ten days painting workshops. Seven to eleven workshops per year, for ARTw.org and for many other cultural art organizations worldwide.

See Tjaša Iris on WIKIPEDIA pages: in Slovenian http://sl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tjasa_Iris