This is something of a sequel to the blog I posted in January titled On the Arts Trail in Sydney. I was inspired to write it after reading an interview with Amber Creswell Bell, an art curator and author of four books on the arts including A Painted Landscape and Clay, both published by Thames & Hudson.
In the interview she revealed where to go if you’re planning a fine-art gallery tour of Sydney and want to see as much work as possible – especially if you are an overseas visitor, I might add. It made me realise just how many galleries Sydney has beyond the obvious ones like the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), and how diverse they are.
The following galleries are recommended if you have only two days to spare for the tour: Tim Olsen’s Olsen Gallery, in Sydney’s east in the leafy suburb of Woollahra, hosts a stable of contemporary emerging and established Australian artists. Foremost in the gallery’s stable is Tim’s father John Olsen, now regarded as Australia’s most esteemed living artist.
John Olsen. Photo courtesy of Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Next, King Street Gallery on William is situated in the heart of the Sydney city arts district, within walking distance of the Art Gallery of NSW and MCA. The gallery represents many of Australia’s most prominent established artists, including Elisabeth Cummings, Euan Macleod, Lucy Culliton, Idris Murphy, Wendy Sharpe and Guy Warren, across a number of media including paintings, sculptures and works on paper.
The Michael Reid Gallery (above) in Surry Hills represents the work of established contemporary Australian and New Zealand artists. Many of the gallery’s practitioners have a strong focus on contemporary photography as well as urban Australian Aboriginal artists. Michael Reid’s new gallery outpost in Newport, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, is home to emerging artists and ceramic exhibitions.
Campbells Cove, Sydney, where many events are held.
Circular Quay, Sydney: The Museum of Contemporary Art can be seen on the left, and inside below.
Clifford How’s Antipodean Light 2000 courtesy of Arthouse Gallery Sydney.
In the Eastern Suburbs, Arthouse Gallery (above and below) in Rushcutters Bay is a must — it exhibits the work of emerging and established Australian artists, representing a stylistically varied, comprehensive view of contemporary art showcased in a beautiful space.
Finally, Wentworth Galleries, in the city centre, embraces both European-style contemporary art and Australian Aboriginal art, eschewing the curatorial division between them by showing both together based on merit — with a strong leaning towards popular and collectible Australian Aboriginal artists.
I would also include Ken Done Gallery in The Rocks — Ken is an art-industry stalwart and one of the nation’s most recognised and beloved artists. His work is often described as being the most original style to come out of Australia, and his paintings are in collections throughout the world.
Ken Done
Ken Done is currently exhibiting at one of my local galleries in the Southern Highlands – not strictly Sydney but only 60 miles south – and visitors are coming from far and wide to see his work and that of fellow exhibitor, Rosie Deacon. Both artists are well known for their bold colour palettes and ability to capture the quintessential Australian experience.
Ngununggula Retford Park Regional Gallery is hosting Spring Collection with Ken Done and Rosie Deacon, a celebration of the season (in Australia) and including brand new works as well as a selection of early pieces from Ken’s permanent collection. Rosie Deacon has long been inspired by Ken Done, and her interactive exhibition elements include costume, dance and craft – perfect for the whole family.
The offerings by both commercial and artist-led galleries provide a rich and multifaceted exposé of every genre and medium imaginable. If you’re an art lover, whether in Australia or overseas, you will be rewarded if you visit any or all of these galleries.
