FAIR DIRECTOR HIGHLIGHTS: BRISBANE
Discover Fair Director Stephanie Gordine Kelly’s top picks from Affordable Art Fair Brisbane (9 – 12 May 2024).
Affordable Art Fair
Sunday 21 April, 2024
In two weeks Affordable Art Fair will launch in Brisbane. As a lifelong lover of art, I understand the buzz of a fair is thrilling for collectors at all stages of their journey, whether they have a large curated gallery wall at home or have bought their first special piece. Our Brisbane fair is an art-filled adventure with so much to see and do. You can look forward to browsing 40+ galleries with 1,000s of sensational artworks, and get involved with an invigorating program packed with interactive experiences.
As the Brisbane Fair Director, I have been working to ensure Queenslanders are welcomed by an impressive display of artworks under $10,000 to fall in love with and take home the very same day.
I’m so excited to come along with you on this journey. To get you in the spirit of the fair, I’ve selected some of my top picks ahead of our launch this 9 – 12 May.
Nightlife on Brunswick Street, David Hinchliffe, Red Hill Gallery
I am reminded of the city scenes of Brisbane that I fell in love with as a child in David Hinchcliffe’s impressionist paintings. From the bright purple jacarandas in New Farm Park to the Neon Glow of Brunswick Street, David expertly captures the essence of each location he paints on the canvas.
Curly Wurly JR, Renee Kire
Discover: Young Talent
I always love how clever and boundary-pushing our Discover: Young Talent artists are. Renee Kire’s sculpture manipulates the concepts of minimalism to create works that are feminist-focused. Despite being constructed of wood; these sculptures have a softness to them inspired by the female form. Their bright colour and playfulness keep drawing me back.
Road 11 PC, Nic Watt
Studio Gallery
As Fair Director, I’m partial to a bit of pink. The bright colours of Nic Watt’s ‘Roads to Nowhere series’ overlayed on a scene of central Australia highlight the relationship between nature and human intervention as a shaping force of the environment. The beauty of the natural landscape and boldness in colour caught my eye, and would be perfect in a decerning collector’s home.
$330ea, CAL COLLECTIVE
Tinies, Andria Beighton
CAL COLLECTIVE
As always, there are gems to be found at every price point at Affordable Art Fair. Andria’s small canvases start at $330 and are an excellent option for those on a budget. I am drawn to Andria Beighton’s clean and balanced floral works, which owe their nostalgic allure to 1930s to 1970s design.
Keerch, Lex Namponan, Wik & Kugu Arts Centre, Aboriginal Art Co
I love the three-dimensional nature of this artwork. Seeing carved art in person adds a new depth of experience. Each mark in the wood is a reminder of the artist’s craftsmanship and skill. Lex’s artwork will be joined by many more artists with Aboriginal Art Co who provide a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to reclaim agency over their art and culture.
Heatwave 2 Umbrellas, Mitch English
Arcadia Street Gallery
As the days begin to shorten, I find myself longing for canvases that radiate sunshine, a joyful reminder of a beach holiday at Noosa. Hanging an artwork by Mitch English up in your lounge is like taking a slice of the sandy shore home.
Green and Blue, Lynda McKay
Toowoomba Gallery
I am drawn to the way Lynda McKay captures the light, shadow, and beauty of ordinary objects in her still life paintings. Her artworks are both technical and affordable, making them an excellent purchase for collectors beginning their art journey. These apples look so crisp and fresh!
Rockpools, Natalie Bateman
Gallery Alchemy
Triangles represent connection to land, sea, family and culture in this stunning piece by Natalie Bateman. A master of acrylic, watercolour, and Japanese inks, stop by Gallery Alchemy to see Natalie’s work in person.
Rosellas, David Morton
Dead Puppet Society
I love how the Dead Puppet Society team has translated the natural world’s curiosities into sculpture and performance. Dancing and acting in my early years, I have an appreciation for the talent and dedication that goes into creating magic on stage, a skill Dead Puppet Society has mastered. Combining timeless craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, these brass and copper artworks are inspired by the pale-headed, crimson and Eastern rosella species native to Australia.
$4,250 (for two), Dead Puppet Society
SLIDE IN WHITE, Alejandra Sieder, Benten Gallery
Alejandra Sieder makes a static painting come to life with line work creating an optical illusion. These high-contrast artworks are great for a contemporary collector who is after a monochromatic piece with a lot of impact!
I hope that my selection of favourite works has inspired you to join us at Affordable Art Fair Brisbane from 9 – 12 May at the well-loved Brisbane Showgrounds Exhibition Building. Follow the link below to snap up a ticket or visit the Brisbane fair page for more information.