Born in Dongguan, China, Jianzhen Wu (Shirley) is an emerging artist based in Adelaide. Wu completed a Master of Design (Contemporary Art) at the University of South Australia (2019). Previously she studied a Bachelor of Arts in Jewellery & Accessories at Middlesex University, England (2009–2013). Her practice encompasses jewellery and object making, glass sculpture and installation work. Wu utilises lampworking, moulding, casting, metalsmithing and stone carving techniques. Informed by her holistic training in Hong Kong (2015–2016), Wu’s creative process is a journey of healing and meditation.
Wu has completed her Graduate in Residence Canberra Glassworks in May 2022 where she was mentored by Peter Minson. She is the recipient of Sauerbier House Artist in Residence (2023), the Brighton Jetty Emerging Artist award (2022) and SALA festival City Rural Emerging artist award (2021). She was a finalist for the Fuse Glass Prize (2022), the MilanoVetro-35, Castello Sforzesco, Milan (2020); Vicki Torr Emerging Artist Prize (2021 & 2020), and the National Emerging Art Glass Prize, Wagga Wagga Art Gallery (2020).