Fair Director Highlights: Melbourne

As Fair Director of Melbourne, I have the pleasure of bringing together 50+ fabulous galleries each with their own unique vision. I adore seeing such an array of artwork walk out the doors as soon as the fair opens. With thousands of artworks all available to buy onsite at the fair, it becomes an extremely tempting four days for our team. To help you discover some of the talented artists and galleries you can visit yourself, I invite you to browse just a few of my highlights below.

Join us as Affordable Art Fair Melbourne returns this August 31- September 3 at the Royal Exhibition Building. With over 50 galleries joining the fair this year, we are pleased to present hundreds of artists and their original art to our visitors.

Affordable Art Fair Melbourne, Fair Director’s Highlights

Alice Laura Palmer, Bodies of Work

New to the fair with P3 Collective, Alice Laura Palmer’s classical painting style merges the motif of a traditional nude with playful fine line brush strokes. Keep an eye out for Alice’s paintings during your fair visit.

Warlukurlangu Artists

Some years ago, I visited Yuendumu in NT and it has had a lasting impression on me (and my collection). Each day I admire the small (and affordable) 30 x 30cm painting by Sarah Napurrurla Leo that has pride of place beside my desk. I wouldn’t mind having a pair, if I’m honest! We are so thrilled to be partnering with the Warlukurlangu Artists team to bring their artists’ paintings to Affordable Art Fair Melbourne. Don’t miss their show-stopping stand. Make sure you say hello to art centre managers Gloria and Cecilia who were recently awarded Order of Australia Medals for their service to the Arts.

Sophie Perez, Quiet Flowers and Teapot

If you know me, you know I love florals and Quiet Flowers and Teapot has such a beautiful touch of everyday Australian nature to it. British-born artist Sophie Perez captures everyday life and the natural surroundings in a meditative and comforting style. I’ve long been an admirer of Sophie’s paintings and adore her confident brushwork and sense of colour. It was such a lovely surprise when Joe Blundell at Greenbridge Gallery shared that Sophie’s artwork would be available on their Melbourne stand this year for the first time.

Mitchell Cheesman, My Bench Is Full Of Anyone’s Everything

Mitchell Cheesman is one to watch. The Queensland-based painter is self taught, full of spirit and his work races out the door. I adore his use of bold and textural impasto oils and would simply love to have a piece of his in my home one day. The depth and layering to his paintings mean the viewer is always discovering something new, and his artwork titles are always poetic. See these tactile pieces for yourself at The G Contemporary stand at Affordable Art Fair Melbourne.

Marisa Veerman, Tinca

I’m drawn to how serene and delicate Marisa’s mixed media artworks are, especially in person. The Brisbane based artist creates these incredibly intricate and detailed art through photography, with beading and embroidery work. A must-have in any art collection, don’t miss Veerman’s work at the Lethbridge Gallery stand.

Robert Delves, White Mimesis Medium

Melbourne based artist Robert Delves creates poignant sculptures that speak to the human condition. Robert uses both hand building and wheel throwing techniques when working with clay to form these intimate sculptures. White Mimesis Medium and the rest of Delves’ art is sure to elevate any space and provide a moment of calm in any collection. Robert works closely with the fabulous Thomas Burge at Storehouse in St Kilda and I love the gentle approach he takes to both his sketches and sculpture.

Robert will be an artist in action onsite during Affordable Art Fair Melbourne, giving visitors a rare glimpse into his process.

Robert Delves, White Mimesis Medium

Joanna Davies, Two girls twirling

Joanna Davies, Two girls twirling

One aspect I love about Joanna Davies’ work is the sense of nostalgia she is able to capture in such intimate moments, this gestural painting stood out to me as it reminds me of my own two girls playing. Be sure to see Joanna’s paintings for yourself at Affordable Art Fair Melbourne this year on the Toowoomba Gallery stand with Bec and Niki.

Chanel Durante, Timeless

At our most recent Sydney Affordable Art Fair, I came across Chanel Durante’s paintings for the first time. I happened to be there when a happy collector was purchasing one of her works and I love nothing more than watching an artwork find a new home. The below painting Timeless by Chanel immediately caught my eye as it captures a moment of tranquillity with her blended brushwork and peach sky transporting you to mysterious landscape. SIBU Gallery are travelling down from Sydney to join us in Melbourne this year with a fabulously calm line up by their stable of fine painters.

David Godfrey, Ibis in Flight

Melbourne-based photographer David Godfrey captures moments in time, each visually striking and entirely unique from one another. It is hard to believe this abstract piece is an ibis in full flight. With a focus largely on wildlife, David’s photography will be available to snap up for yourself with the Gotham Studios Collective.

I hope my picks have encouraged you to create your own list of galleries you’d love to visit for yourself. Be sure to join us at the Royal Exhibition Centre to see these artworks in-person and discover so much more.

In the mood to add some art to your collection? We are giving every ticket-buyer who subscribes to our emails the chance to WIN $1,000 to put towards art at Affordable Art Fair Melbourne. Head on over to our fair page for more information.

Main image: Alice Laura Palmer, Bodies of Work, P3 Collective