A remarkably gifted artist, a passionate exponent of Asian arts and culture and
an immensely significant artistic visionary, Geoffrey Goldie is remembered by
the Bharatalaya family and the wider Melbourne arts community as a cherished
friend, and an unequivocal supporter and contributor to the rich artistic and
cultural landscape of Australia.

Born to a farming family in Port Fairy, Victoria, Geoffrey Goldie was a gifted
child and pursued his interest in the visual arts at an young age. After spending
six years in the Australian army at an early age, Geoffrey continued his training
at regional arts schools before moving to Melbourne where he was taught by
acclaimed artist George Bell.

Geoffrey was an established and successful artist in the mainstream Victorian arts community when he met Chandrabhanu in 1973. A passionate advocate of the development of Asian arts and culture, it was under Geoffrey’s encouragement that Chandrabhanu opened the Bharatalaya Academy. The relationship with Chandrabhanu and Bharatalaya that commenced that year spanned a lifetime, and Geoffrey’s brilliantly innovative and culturally significant creative works in the spheres of both visual and performing arts remain unmatched in contemporary Indian and Asian theatre.

During his time with the Bharatam Dance Company Geoffrey created stunningly bold and vibrant sets and costumes never before seen, matching the depth and intensity of Chandrabhanu’s extraordinary artistic vision. Chandrabhanu and Geoffrey enjoyed their most artistically productive years during this creative partnership, sharing the muses of Asian history, culture, arts, philosophy and spirituality. Under their remarkable artistic direction, the Bharatam Dance Company and the Bharatalaya Academy reached new successes and established their place among the finest institutions in Australian performing arts.

In 2007, Chandrabhanu, Ambika and the Bharatalaya family farewelled Geoffrey Goldie after a lifetime of friendship, love and art. He is a dearly missed jewel in the crown of the Bharatalaya Academy, though his legacy lives on upon the radiantly adorned stages of the Bharatalaya Academy performances.

Geoffrey Goldie
1921-2007