The art world just can’t be beaten. In light of the many rounds of lockdowns across the country due to COVID-19, there has been much uncertainty and many cancellations across the creative arts sector; for another year running, Sydney Contemporary proves the show must and will go on.
From 11 to 21 November, the all-digital art fair, ‘Explore Sydney Contemporary’, will feature 80 plus national and international galleries showcasing the extraordinary skill and talent of more than 500 artists from around the globe, including Australia, China, England, France, Ghana, Germany, New Zealand, South Africa and Thailand. Over 1,700 artworks telling stories, making statements, and capturing the essence of the world we live in, across a diverse range of mediums and genres, including painting, sculpture, glasswork, printmaking, works on paper, and more, will delight collectors, art buyers, and the art-loving public. ‘Explore Sydney Contemporary’ is an opportunity to discover new art, see more from your favourite artists and show your support for the future of contemporary artmaking and presentation.
‘Explore Sydney Contemporary’ also includes a series of First Nations artist video portraits, that bring to life the language, Country and stories of some of the First Nations artists represented in the online fair, including Dr Christian Thompson AO, Tony Albert, Karla Dickens, Jemima Wyman, Noŋgirrŋa Marawili, Jenna Lee and Regina Pilawuk Wilson. This is accompanied by a keynote panel discussion titled ‘After Shocks: Art, Disruption and Provocation’ focused on leading institutional structural change and embedding new perspectives in the arts sector. At a time of profound social, cultural, and political transformation the discussion, held via Zoom on 16 November at 1pm (AEDT).
A specially commissioned animation will greet visitors to the site by internationally acclaimed Melbourne-based artist David Booth (Ghostpatrol), who will also present work with Blackartprojects (Melbourne) and Hugo Michell Gallery (Adelaide).
Highlight presentations include Auckland’s STARKWHITE, in partnership with leading Los Angeles gallery 1301PE, exhibiting works by American artists Petra Cortright, Pae White and Thai artist Rikrit Tiravanija in conjunction with the opening of their new gallery in Melbourne; new work by sculptor Nuha Saad at Galerie Pompom; Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthbert presenting work by leading artists Sally Smart and Marion Borgelt, alongside functional artist Michael Gittings; a new collection of paintings and ceramics by renowned artist Joshua Yeldham at Arthouse Gallery; 15 new drawings by Rhys Lee at Nicholas Thompson Gallery; Australian artists Michael Zavros, Gregory Hodge and Maria Fernanda Cardoso at Sullivan+Strumpf; and new major works by Reko Rennie at KRONENBERG MAIS WRIGHT. APY Art Centre Collective are celebrating a strong lineup of artists, including Sally Scales, Beverly Burton and Kukika Adamson. Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery will also present new works by Tom Polo, Renee So, David Noonan and Linda Marrinon; Michael Bugelli Gallery (Hobart) has commissioned a series of 22 drawings by artist Isabella Maria Foster, and Michael Lett will present a solo exhibition of new paintings by Stella Corkery.
Galleries presenting their Explore Sydney Contemporary exhibitions in their spaces during the ten days include: Curatorial+Co, Darren Knight Gallery; Gallery 9; Galerie pompom; Nanda/Hobbs; OLSEN; Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery; Sullivan+Strumpf; Sabbia Gallery; Saint Cloche from Sydney; James Makin Gallery in Melbourne; Bett Gallery in Hobart; and Onespace in Brisbane.