Sydney 2024: Explore Our Team Picks
Explore our hand-picked selection of contemporary paintings and stunning sculptures, curated by our passionate team ahead of Affordable Art Fair Sydney.
Victoria Barns
Wednesday 29 May, 2024
Affordable Art Fair Sydney is the perfect place for art enthusiasts and collectors alike to discover hidden gems without breaking the bank. Our passionate team has hand-picked a selection of their top artworks, guiding you through the diverse, inspiring, and budget-friendly finds on display at this year’s fair. From contemporary paintings to stunning sculptures, we’ve highlighted pieces all waiting to adorn your space and ignite your imagination.
Stephanie Gordine Kelly, our inspiring Sydney Fair Director and APAC Regional Manager, brings her vast knowledge and leadership skills to the forefront of our team. This year, Stephanie has chosen to spotlight the mesmerising artwork ‘Along the Mid-Western Highway‘ by Rhett Brewer from Day Gallery.
Rhett Brewer is a celebrated Sydney-based contemporary landscape painter. His captivating paintings draw on a diverse array of techniques and themes, spanning from realism and expressionism to 19th-century New World romanticism, abstract expressionism, and even elements of pop art. This fusion of styles creates a unique and compelling visual experience that resonates with both seasoned art enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Steph says, “The brilliance and intricacy of Rhett Brewer’s landscape draws me in. Each piece transports you to the Blue Mountains, capturing their essence in vivid detail.”
Steph has also selected ‘Mother‘ by Sibylla “Billie” Robertson, an emerging artist who employs a niche glazing technique called in-glaze reduction lustre. Originating in Mesopotamia in the 9th century, this ancient practice has a low success rate and is somewhat shrouded in mystery, which has kept it out of mainstream practices in Australia.
Sibylla “Billie” Robertson, ‘Mother’ (2023), clay, glaze, 9 x 12cm, $280, Discover: Young Talent
“Supporting emerging artists isn’t just about acquiring beautiful pieces; it’s about nurturing the next generation of creativity and innovation. When we invest in these talents, we affirm their unique voices and contribute to the vibrant, ever-evolving art world.”
Stephanie Gordine Kelly
Jo Barby, our vibrant Gallery Relationship Manager, is a true embodiment of coastal Sydney charm. With her family immersed in the local surf scene by the bay, Jo’s radiant smile and positive disposition perfectly blend with the bright shoreline. It’s no surprise that she was drawn to ‘Sunny Shade of Green’ by Gina Debinski. Jo believes that the water has naturally soothing effects on our emotions, and that this summery scene perfectly captures the shared community joy of gathering by the poolside.
Gina Debinski, ‘Sunny Shade of Green’, acrylic on canvas, 25 x 125cm, $4,200, The Toowoomba Gallery
Georgia Huestis is our discerning Melbourne Fair Director, whose expert eye significantly enriches our team. One of her top selections this year is ‘Night Studio‘ by Veronica O’Leary from Project Gallery 90. Georgia enthusiastically shares, “Veronica’s piece truly caught my attention. I’ve always been enchanted by the concept of a painting within a painting and ‘Around the Table’ by Julia Ostro, one of my favorite cookbooks, makes a welcome appearance among Veronica’s curated objects. A still life that celebrates literature, orchids, and ceramic vessels in a studio setting – I’d happily live with this painting in my home.”
Veronica O’Leary, ‘Night Studio’, (2024), acrylic on canvas, 45 x 45cm, $1,550 Project Gallery 90
Nikki Berriman, our dynamic Fair Manager, has impeccable taste and owns an eclectic collection of contemporary artworks in all shapes, sizes, and mediums. As she puts it; “A whole mixed bag of treasures”. Nikki has chosen the stunning piece ‘Wings’ by Samantha Stephenson because it reminds her of her brief background in architecture. She keenly explains, “I love the architectural approach that Samantha Stephenson of Robin Gibson Gallery takes with her sculptural artworks. The lightness and fluidity of the sculptures whilst using a normally rigid and heavy industrial material is intriguing and satisfies both sides of my brain.”
Equally passionate about art, our Marketing Manager Miranda Smith brings a creative perspective to our team as an artist with her own successful practice. Her top pick this year is ‘Earth Honeybee Hive‘ by Jasmine Coe. Miranda describes her choice with a smile, “I love the emulation of sunshine in this artwork. It brings an extraordinary warmth and life to the piece that draws you in.”
Ping Tan, our Operations Executive, is the cornerstone of our logistical efforts, skillfully piecing together the intricate puzzle that brings our fairs to life. Ping selected an affordable piece under $1,000 titled ‘Lazy Days’ by Claire Cummack. When asked about her choice, she shared, “Running fairs keeps me busy most of the time, so I truly cherish lazy days where I can take things slow, and the bright tones of this painting make me feel light and joyful.”
Claire Cummack, ‘Lazy Days’, mixed media on stretched canvas, $675, Aspire Gallery
As the Marketing Coordinator, one piece that stands out to me is ‘In Our Own Sweet Time’ by Amy Gibbs. Growing up as a Queenslander surrounded by banksia and wattlebrush, this delightful artwork evokes a sense of heartwarming nostalgia. With its pink, poppy palette, this piece is a visual treat that captures the regenerative spirit of spring, bringing its refreshing essence into the home. If you love fun, playful and joyous artwork, Jumbled is sure to have a colourful canvas that resonates with you!
Amy Gibbs, ‘In Our Own Sweet Time’, $1,450, Jumbled
Join us at Affordable Art Fair Sydney this 13 – 16 June and immerse yourself in an inspiring array of artworks that cater to every taste and budget. Celebrate the joy of collecting art and the thrill of finding that perfect piece for your collection. We’ll see you there alongside our team picks, which are all available to purchase!
