Fair Director’s Top Art Picks: Melbourne

There is so much to see and do at the return of Affordable Art Fair Melbourne next month. You can look forward to 40 hand picked galleries bringing you 1000s of sensational artworks, as well as an invigorating programme complete with; Artists in Action, Special Project installations, the Young Talent Showcase and Creative Hub.

As the Australian Fair Director and life-long lover of art, I understand the joy of collecting artwork during the buzz of a fair. During the launch of our Sydney fair in June, I purchased my very own Ken Knight painting from Wentworth Galleries. I have always adored Ken’s artworks, especially his majestic Antarctica series using thick oils and master strokes. He made a series of small landscapes for Affordable Art Fair Sydney and we fell in love with this painting of the view from Fairlight, where I first lived in Sydney, it simply had to come home with us.

As we await the opening of our Melbourne fair, It can be hard to know where to start with such a range of artworks and a jam-packed programme. To help you plan your visit and find the perfect artwork to come home with you too, I’ve put together a list of my favourite artworks that I can’t wait to see at Affordable Art Fair Melbourne (1 – 4 September).

Affordable Art Fair Melbourne, Fair Director’s Picks 

Sarrita King, Ancestors, Wentworth Galleries

This stunning piece by Sarrita King is intricately layered in fine dot work and detail, you could stare at this painting for hours and still notice something new. In her ‘Ancestors’ series, Sarrita explores the routes, landmarks and elements which the indigenous ancestors of Australia used to survive for over 40,000 years. Make sure to stop by Wentworth Galleries (B09) to see this masterpiece for yourself. 

Phil Shaw, Climate Change, Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery

I always love how clever and ground-breaking British artist Professor Phil Shaw is with this distinctive ‘bookshelf’ series, featuring shelves of books weaving together a narrative like in this Climate Change print. Flying in all the way from London, see more of Shaw’s limited edition artworks at Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery’s stand (D09).

Carly Williams, High Country, Fenton & Fenton Gallery

I’m drawn to the energy and layers of colour in the abstract, geometric art of Carly Williams. To see more paintings from Carly, visit the Fenton & Fenton Gallery stand (C09) during your visit.

Hong Fu, Untitled, Art Echo Gallery

Hong Fu is a highly acclaimed artist and Archibald finalist in 2021 and 2022. He is forever a favourite artist of mine for his great mastery in capturing the quieter side of people with his delicate brushwork. The Archibald Portrait prize is one of my annual highlights and I look forward to visiting the exhibition of works each year, so it is a delight to have his work at the fair with Art Echo Gallery (D08).

Britty Flynn, Picnic in Orange, JUMBLED

Sydney based artist Britty Flynn paints fun still life paintings. I adore this one, of a picnic in Orange where JUMBLED is based, because of how it expresses the joy of country life and living slow. Don’t miss the work at JUMBLED’s stand (D07).

Daniel Kneebone, Little Door, Gotham Studios

Daniel Kneebone’s series, Alice-ism, takes a playful look at the adventures from Alice in Wonderland through an opulent photographic lens. See the selection he is bringing at the Gotham Studios stand (C02). 

Angela Hawkey, Dry Ground, The Toowoomba Gallery

Capturing the vast expanse of the Australian landscape with the use of a palette knife and oils, Angela Hawkey is showcasing an affordable series of paintings at The Toowoomba Gallery’s stand (B01), stop by to see them for yourself.

Katie Wyatt, Calista ii, Bluethumb (above)

A refreshing depiction of the movement and magic of the ocean, Katie Wyatt brings a piece of the beach to your walls with her impressionist painting style. Best experienced up close and personal, be sure to see them at Bluethumb’s Stand (A12) at Affordable Art fair Melbourne!

Greer Clayton, Mountain Echo, Studio Gallery

Expertly forging an abstracted New Zealand landscape, Greer Clayton’s work is the perfect addition to any Kiwi abroad’s collection. I adore how Greer captures the moody, and ethereal landscape that I miss when away from my home-country. See more of her paintings at Studio Gallery’s stand at the front of our fair (A01).

I hope that my selection of favourite works has inspired you to join us at Affordable Art Fair Melbourne 1 – 4 September at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Follow the link below to snap up a ticket on our fair page and for more information.