The eighth edition of Sydney Contemporary opens its doors today at Carriageworks, promising an exhilarating display of artistic prowess that spans the globe.
In partnership with Principal Partner MA Financial Group, this year’s fair sets the stage for over 85 galleries and more than 400 artists from across Australia and the world, transforming the iconic venue into a vibrant hub of contemporary art from September 5th to 8th, 2024.
A highlight of the launch is the announcement of the MA Art Prize winner, emerging First Nations artist Alfred Lowe. This prestigious $10,000 acquisitive award celebrates and supports the work of emerging and early-career artists in Australia. Hailing from the Arrernte community in the Central Desert, north of Alice Springs, Lowe now practices in Adelaide. His winning piece, “All dressed up I, 2024,” showcases his skill with clay and ceramics, using hand-built stoneware adorned with sgraffito and raffia to reflect themes of Country, informed by his deep connection to the central desert landscape.
Sydney Contemporary has cemented itself as Australasia’s premier art fair since its inception in 2013, attracting over 25,000 visitors per edition and generating more than $121 million in art sales. It serves as a crucial meeting place for collectors and art enthusiasts, fueling the growth of the Australian art market. This year’s fair promises a dynamic lineup, including a colossal 20-meter-wide installation by artist Lisa Roet, an engaging Talk Contemporary program featuring Mona’s Kirsha Kaechele, and a vibrant performance by multidisciplinary artist HOSSEI.
Fair Director Zoe Paulsen expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s event: “We are excited to throw open the doors to this year’s Sydney Contemporary, which features an incredible lineup of galleries and artists from Australia and around the world. Each year Sydney Contemporary offers artwork of exceptional quality by artists at diverse stages in their careers working across a range of mediums. We aim to provide entry points for all our visitors to the Fair, whether they’re buying their first artwork or seeking to diversify their collections, and we can’t wait for them to experience this year’s program.”
Tim Etchells, Founder and Co-Owner of Sydney Contemporary, added: “Sydney Contemporary has firmly established itself as Australasia’s premier art fair. As we unveil the eighth edition this year, we look forward to welcoming collectors from across Australia, New Zealand, and around the world to Carriageworks for yet another year of strong art sales. Providing the most concentrated week of art sales annually in Australia, Sydney Contemporary plays a vital role in the Australian art market and provides a key meeting place for collectors and art lovers alike.”
Alfred Lowe’s artistry captivated the judging panel, comprising industry professionals like Andrew Martin from MA Financial Group and Jarrod Rawlins from MONA. Martin praised Lowe’s work, stating, “Alfred’s work is an impressive stand amongst a high-quality group of finalists. He is a worthy recipient of the MA Art Prize. Alfred’s bold and confident use of colour, form, and texture draws on his intimate knowledge of the central desert landscape north of Alice Springs. We are hopeful that the MA Art Prize will help Alfred, as an early career artist, realize his full potential.”
Lowe expressed his gratitude and excitement: “I am thrilled to be the recipient of the 2024 MA Art Prize. Sydney Contemporary is a gathering of the country’s best artists and galleries, and I look forward to this event every year, so to be recognized here is very special. My work, ‘All dressed up I,’ is a joyful celebration of love, defiance, and what it means to present yourself to the world. The work holds space unapologetically and dares you to try to ignore it.”
Sydney Contemporary 2024 promises to be an unmissable celebration of creativity and innovation, drawing art lovers into a world where ideas and emotions collide on the canvas of contemporary art.