2022 so far has been all about new restaurant openings, theatre and food festivals. But what about the art scene, you ask? Well Australia’s premier art fair, Sydney Contemporary is returning this Spring with a vibrant program for art and culture buffs. Expect talks, live performances, music, events and champagne galore across the four-day event.
Sydney Contemporary, Carriageworks
Now in its sixth edition, Sydney Contemporary will spotlight over 90 leading Australian and New Zealand galleries exhibiting the work of over 450 artists hailing from 34 countries. Highlights include:
- A solo exhibition by This is no Fantasy featuring paintings by 2020 Archibald Prize winner and Western Aranda artist Vincent Namatjira. Through the exhibit, Namatjira reflects on his Aboriginal heritage and the ongoing impact of Australia’s colonial history.
- The National Art School will present the works of eight, recently graduated, budding artists who will work across painting, drawing, photomedia, ceramics and sculpture.
- Station will present the works of female artists Consuelo Cavaniglia and Julia Trybala.
- MARS will curate new work by artists Atong Atem, Jenna Lee and Scotty So. The artists set out to explore themes of identity, cultural othering and notions of belonging.
On the opening night, the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky Glenfiddich will release a rare new whisky at the venue along with tasty cocktails. One to watch out for is She predicted the weather by Justene Williams — a large scale performance featuring three performative boat sculptures with colourfully painted sails which will rock and sway thanks to singing performers.
On Friday Night Art Night, set to take place on September 9, attendees can expect compelling performances, live music and talks. Headline talk NFTs: Sizzle or Fizzle explores the timely impact of the of the crypto-currency bubble along with performances by Salote Tawale and Alli Sebastian Wolf.
Several immersive elements will be spread out including live feed videos, interventions and more to keep audiences engaged along with a fun DJ set by Sydney-based music producer Jonny Seymour to keep the party going. Keep an eye out for weird and whimsical creatures who will roam the premises courtesy of Sebastian Wolf and their collective Deep Sea Astronauts. There’s a lot more happening across the four days with something of interest for everyone. From paintings and sculptures to stimulating talks — Sydney Contemporary is where it’s at this spring.