Fair Director’s Top Art Picks: Sydney

There is so much to experience when we open the doors to the new Affordable Art Fair Sydney, 2  – 5 June. There will be over 30 expert galleries to discover, alongside monumental Australian sculpture on the lush lawns of Royal Randwick for ARTpark, the Young Talent showcase and Children’s Art Studio. As the Australian Fair Director, I have been working closely with our roster of galleries and in turn, their impressive artists to ensure that the thousands of artworks adorning the walls of the luxe Winx Stand make a grand first impression.  

With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you plan your visit, I’ve put together a list of my favourite artworks that I can’t wait to see in person this June.  

Affordable Art Fair Sydney, Fair Director’s Picks  

Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi, Grandmother’s Country (main image) 

I love how Gabriella depicts cultural activities of women in Yuelamu, representing women as symbolic U-shapes, showing them collecting wild growing bush food. She gives form to the food through star-like shapes that represent berry bushes, while clusters of encased small dots and large dots serve to represent various types of berries and bush plums that the women collect. Showcasing her mastery of acrylic paint, stop by Kate Owen to see her work in person (Stand B08).  

Gareth Graham, Mona Lisa Smile 

I was introduced to Gareth Graham’s contemplative sculptures by Harvey Galleries (stand A01). Gareth draws his inspiration from how the human form conveys meaning from gesture and expression, with influence from Renaissance sculpture informing his traditional process-driven practice.

Michaela Laurie, Dear Creatures 

I can’t help but be reminded of my time in Hong Kong running our fairs over there when I look at Michaela Laurie’s delicately layered drawings with how she captures the textures and details found in this jar from the Yongzheng period (1723-1735) and showcases the playful curiorsity of elegant birds inspecting the historical treasures. See more of her drawings at Rochfort Gallery (stand D02).  

Johnny K, Today is Yours 

I am captivated by the sense of expanse and serenity found in Johnny K’s landscapes, as he paints the process of falling in love with the colours, sparseness and unique beauty of the Australian Bush. If you’re looking for a piece to relax to after a busy day, Johnnys paintings are the perfect addition to your home. Don’t miss his work at the Wentworth Galleries stand (C05).  

Beth Mitchell, Evergreen  

Australian artist Beth Mitchell grew up in Queensland, spending her youth lost in creative expression and underwater experimentation with digital photography. Her entrancing photographs explore contemporary womanhood in a mythical underwater world. See her work in person on the 380co. Stand (A09).  

Cat Yenn, Unfinished Book  

I delight in discovering fresh new artists and Young Talent New South Wales artist Cat Yenn is a rising star to keep your eye on! Cat’s hand-painted artworks are a graphic exploration of structured whimsy. There is a subtle playfulness to her work that keeps on drawing me back to it. Don’t miss her work on the Young Talent stand.  

Emily Crockford, The pattern in the mountains of Studio A, best friends Emma and Gabrielle 

I’m drawn to the energy and joy of this portrait by Emily Crockford, who is an Archibald finalist for the second time this year! The Archibald Portrait prize is one of my annual highlights and I look forward to visiting the exhibition of works each year. See the selection Emily is bringing to the fair at the Studio A stand (A06).  

Bonnie Hislop, Over It 

Ceramicist Bonnie Hislop’s works don’t take themselves too seriously but simultaneously capture universal experiences of frustration, grief, tenderness and intimacy with vibrant colours and satirical shapes. I love the cheekiness of this Stonewear piece and can just imagine it jazzing up my living room. See more from Bonnie on the Studio Gallery stand (A02).  

Patrick Oates, It Never Rains but it Always Floods 

Patrick Oates is an Australian artist practicing in the Clarence Valley region of NSW. He marries contemporary landscape with fanciful figurative form in his oil paintings. Patrick captures the stance and personality of the horse so expertly, we might just see it walking around on the lawns of Royal Randwick Racecourse. Visit the Studio Gallery stand (A02) for more from Patrick.  

Nell Symonds, Velletri 

The play of light and shadow in this still-life by Nell Symonds caught my eye immediately. The pomegranate looks so fresh and sweet! To see the variety of contemporary still-life paintings by Nell, visit The Toowoomba Gallery stand (C01).  

I hope that my selection of favourite works has inspired you to join us at the launch of Affordable Art Fair Sydney 2 – 5 June at Royal Randwick Racecourse. Follow the link below to snap up a ticket on our fair page and for more information.