Tag: sydney art

New art in Sydney Glenn Barkley comes to Sullivan+Strumpf

Glenn Barkley Assorted works in studio 2024. Image courtesy the artist and SullivanStrumpf. Photography by Ainslie.Co

Get ready to dive into the wonderfully bizarre world of Glenn Barkley as Sullivan+Strumpf’s Sydney gallery rolls out the red carpet for his latest solo exhibition, “experimental idiocy.” From Thursday, November 14 until Saturday, December 21, 2024, visitors will have the chance to explore a compelling new body of work that turns the fleeting digital chatter and shifting political climate into enduring pieces of art. Barkley, a trailblazer in the ceramics field, is pushing boundaries once again, transforming everyday digital noises into permanent art statements. His work in “experimental idiocy” features text from political speeches and online rhetoric, emblazoned onto ceramics to create a lasting commentary on our evolving cultural landscape. You’ll encounter phrases like “double haters” and “Anglosphere mind virus,” each firing up a conversation about the world we live in. This exhibition marks Barkley’s first solo outing in Australia following a string of successful museum projects. Known for challenging traditional ceramic norms, Barkley’s latest creations abandon functionality, turning vessels into platforms for sharp social critique. The exhibition is not just about pushing clay; it’s about pushing ideas. Central to “experimental idiocy” is Barkley’s concept of “mnemonic archaeology,” where he digs into memories influenced by personal experiences and global changes. This introspective dive allows him to revisit past concepts, imbuing his work with profound depth and resonance. For those who are mad for ceramics or just curious about cutting-edge art, this exhibition is a must-see. Barkley, whose works are housed in collections both here and abroad, has also made waves with his book, “Ceramics:… Read More

Unveiling WILDER TIMES: Arthur Boyd and the Mid-1980s Landscape

Landscape paintings hanging on a wall

Bundanon has proudly launched WILDER TIMES: Arthur Boyd and the Mid-1980s Landscape, a compelling new exhibition and live program brimming with 80s-inspired events, running from now until 13 October 2024. This initiative offers a vivid glimpse into a period of rich cultural dynamism in Australia, marked by critical conversations around landscape, land ownership, and environmental protection. Exhibition Highlights The exhibition showcases works from over 25 distinguished Australian artists from the mid-1980s. Central to the exhibition are Arthur Boyd’s fourteen powerful landscape paintings, commissioned in 1984 by Arts Centre Melbourne. These monumental pieces have returned to Bundanon for the first time since their creation, now displayed alongside more than 60 significant works by other influential Australian artists of that era, including David Aspden, Vivienne Binns, and Rover Joolama Thomas, to name a few. Boyd’s commission was part of a broader initiative led by renowned designer John Truscott, aimed at incorporating new works within Arts Centre Melbourne’s interiors. These commissions were integral to Truscott’s vision of the theatres as a ‘secular cathedral to the arts’, resonating strongly with Arthur and Yvonne Boyd’s vision for Bundanon and reflecting the period’s vibrant cultural milieu. The Boyd Connection Arthur Boyd’s suite of paintings captures the essence of the Shoalhaven landscape from dawn to midnight, epitomising his deep respect for the natural world. These works record Boyd’s observations through rough paintings and sketches created in situ, before being realised on canvas in his Bundanon studio. The series now graces Bundanon’s Art Museum, underscoring Boyd’s commitment to environmental preservation and his profound… Read More

Anne Zahalka’s major exhibition at the National Art School Sydney

Screenshot 20240705 202143

The Museum of Australian Photography is proud to announce the release of a captivating catalogue showcasing the remarkable works of Anne Zahalka, one of Australia’s most esteemed photographers. This catalogue serves as a testament to Zahalka’s artistic prowess and her significant contributions to the realm of photography. Steven Alderton, the CEO of the National Art School, commended Zahalka’s profound connection to the institution, stating, “Anne Zahalka has a long connection to the National Art School. After studying at NAS in 1978, she was a photo-media teacher during the 1980s. Since then, she has gone on to become one of the most prominent artists working in photography today, and we are thrilled to be presenting her major survey exhibition to our visitors and students.” Anne Zahalka herself expressed her excitement about the upcoming major survey of her work at the National Art School in Sydney, her hometown. She shared, “I’m excited to be presenting a major survey of my work at the National Art School in Sydney in my hometown. Curated around my key photographic series and the archive that supports it, this immersive exhibition will offer a first-hand experience of how I develop artworks, the research and material processes that are involved, and the context the works are made in.” Delving into Anne Zahalka’s artistic journey Anne Zahalka’s body of work encapsulates a diverse range of themes, from cultural identity and representation to the exploration of everyday life through a unique lens. Her photographs are known for their striking visual narratives, meticulous attention to detail,… Read More

Australia’s official Twistie is announced

Matt Adnate and portrait signature Twistie

In a nation-defining event, Twisties Chicken has emerged victorious as Australia’s Official Twistie. Following a nation-wide vote that left officials, onlookers, and long-time Twisties Cheese enthusiasts are stunned. This unexpected result capped off a month of vigorous campaigning by both Twisties Chicken and Twisties Cheese, each vying for the ultimate supremacy. The heated battle culminated in a celebratory gathering on Thursday, 27th June, where a monumental portrait by renowned artist Matt Adnate was unveiled. The Official Portrait features Twisties Chicken against Adnate’s signature abstract backdrop, a piece crafted under significant pressure not to look “too cheesy,” as Adnate quipped. Marketing Manager Sam O’Donnell expressed relief at the conclusion of the long-standing debate: “The Chicken vs Cheese debate is one Australians know well; we’re relieved to have settled it once and for all. The most appropriate way to celebrate this iconic win was through an Official Portrait, and having one of Australia’s most famous portrait artists commemorate Twisties Chicken’s win is a suitably twisted way to end this campaign.” While the future home of the portrait is still undecided, O’Donnell hinted at a potential donation to the National Portrait Gallery, should they show interest. The campaign was brought to life by high-profile endorsements from Robert Irwin and G Flip, with Robert championing Team Chicken and G Flip rallying support for Team Cheese. Throughout the campaign, familiar faces like Tanya Hennessy for Team Chicken and Matt Preston for Team Cheese played key roles, especially during the Democracy Twistie stand event at Bondi Beach. The nation responded with… Read More

Sydney is getting a new gallery space in Surry Hills

Commonwealth Street Gallery edit2

Ames Yavuz will open a second Australian gallery space at 114 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills to the public this month! Located near the first Sydney gallery on Reservoir Street, this marks a significant milestone for Ames Yavuz, amplifying its programming in Australia across two dynamic sites. Founded as Yavuz Gallery in Singapore in 2010 by Can Yavuz, the gallery expanded to Sydney in 2019, becoming the first commercial art gallery from Asia to establish a permanent space in Australia. This year, Yavuz Gallery was renamed Ames Yavuz, incorporating the surnames of Can Yavuz and Glen Ames to reflect their Asia-Pacific and European heritage, and their relationship both in life and business. Spanning an area of 300 square metres and featuring 3.5 metre-high ceilings, the new location has a rich heritage, formerly a petrol station and part of the bustling hub of the rag trade and textiles industry in Surry Hills. The raw interior of this historic warehouse provides a unique exhibition space for Ames Yavuz. The gallery’s inaugural presentation, MEMORY/MYTH features contemporary and historic films and video installations by 26 internationally renowned artists from across the world, including 20 works never-before-seen in Australia. Curated by London-based Director of Ames Yavuz, Ananya Mukhopadhyay, the program includes works by Thania Petersen (South Africa), Stanislava Pinchuk (Ukraine), Richard Bell (Kamilaroi, Kooma, Jiman and Gurang Gurang, Australia), Brook Andrew (Wiradjuri, Ngunnawal/Australia) and Joy Gregory (UK). The screening program explores experiences of indigeneity, diaspora and the intersecting global legacies of colonialism, and emphasises Ames Yavuz’s commitment to showcasing international artists… Read More

Sydney Contemporary new galleries to the FUTURE sector

Roslyn Oxley Gallery

Sydney Contemporary is thrilled to announce the inclusion of esteemed galleries ACAE Gallery from Melbourne, Five Walls Gallery also hailing from Melbourne, and Minerva based in Sydney, into the illustrious FUTURE sector of the Fair for the year 2024. These new additions join the ranks alongside returning favourites Jennings Kerr from Robertson, NSW, and LON Gallery from Melbourne. The art aficionados and enthusiasts are invited to secure their tickets for Sydney Contemporary through the online portal at: Sydney Contemporary Tickets Sydney Contemporary takes immense pride in its association with the NSW Government, receiving steadfast support from the state’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. This collaborative effort ensures the continued success and vibrancy of this cultural extravaganza, solidifying Sydney’s position as a hub for contemporary art and creativity. Tickets to Sydney Contemporary are available to purchase online: https://sydneycontemporary.com.au/tickets/

Public performance in Randwick Sydney by artist Lauren Brincat

Lauren Brincat When Do I Breathe 2024. Performer Jasmin Lancaster. Photographer Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist

This week, the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct will experience an exceptional infusion of art and community spirit through a public performance by the celebrated multidisciplinary artist Lauren Brincat. Scheduled for one-night only, on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, Brincat’s performance marks the launch of the new Laneway Art Program. This initiative, commissioned by the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, seeks to enhance perceptions of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people navigating the streets and laneways of the Precinct. Brincat, along with Rochelle Haley, another leading Australian artist, has been entrusted with the mission to improve night-time connectivity and comfort within the precinct through performance-based and site-specific artwork. Both artists have engaged directly with health workers in the area to shape their projects, aiming to make the public spaces more welcoming and to strengthen the sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness across the site. The artwork, titled When do I breathe?, is an ambitious collaboration with sound artist Evelyn Ida Morris, UNSW Choral Director Sonia Maddock, and choreographer Charmene Yap. It invites the public to actively participate in shaping new paths across the precinct, offering a unique experience that encompasses three activation sites within the UNSW Kensington and the hospital precinct. The performance, beginning at 5:00 pm on the UNSW Scientia Lawn, is a reflection on the interconnectedness of local communities, especially those separated by differing work shifts and daily rhythms. Aiming to reclaim public space through collective action, When do I breathe? presents an… Read More