TESSA BERGAN

Tessa Bergan (she/her) is a visual artist working and playing respectfully on the lands of the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh language region (Gold Coast). Her multi-modal practice has taken the form of sculpture, performance, digital media, and most recently text-based art. Her work has explored the character of her local city, as well as her personal narrative, often with self-reflexive humour. Tessa has been actively involved in the Gold Coast arts community for several years, contributing to exhibitions and performances, collaborating with peers, and working in arts education alongside her creative practice.

Tessa has completed a Bachelor of Fine Art majoring in Interdisciplinary Sculpture from Queensland College of Art, Brisbane, and a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Writing and Media Studies from Southern Cross University, Lismore. She has exhibited work at HOTA (Home of the Arts), The Walls Art Space and SWELL Sculpture Festival. Tessa has collaborated with several Gold Coast artists, including an extensive collaboration with Adrienne Kenafake between 2017-2021 as Agents of Confusion. Alongside her individual and collaborative arts practice, Tessa has worked as an Artist Educator and Public Programs Coordinator at HOTA Gallery, and Curator for Somerset Storyfest.

In 2023 Tessa is focussed on continuing to explore text-based visual art, and sculptural costumes. In 2023 she will undertake an Incubate residency with Placemakers Gold Coast, exhibit at Outer Space Window Gallery and Next Door ARI, perform on projects by Lowana Davies and Daniele Constance, and collaborate with Michelle Le Plastrier for SWELL Sculpture Festival.