Sydney Contemporary is one of the largest art fairs in the southern hemisphere and this year celebrates it 10th edition with an expanded line up and a multitude of creative experiences on offer. It runs from 3-6 September at Sydney’s Carriageworks. This week’s Art Agenda seeks to give you an inside scoop on some of the things going on during the fair. I’ve been involved with Sydney Contemporary since its inception under a variety of guises from gallerist, to media, to talks moderator and tour guide. It’s fantastic to see the fair achieve 10 editions and to consider how much it was grown and innovated.
Jelena Telecki ‘Trip’ (2026), oil on polyester, 140 x 110cm.
If you’ve never been to an art fair, expect an enormous open plan space of individual booths representing galleries, food and drink options, talks, installations, nighttime parties and tours. Even if you would never classify yourself as a collector, there is so much on offer visually and experientially and some of the works available are as affordable as a couple of hundred dollars. Who knows this might be the start of your journey to becoming a collector. Let’s dive in.
This year there are more than 100 exhibitors across four key sectors. The foundational Galleries presentation that makes up the majority of the fair is joined by Futures, a platform for emerging galleries. Alongside these are dedicated Photo and Works on Paper sectors. In the Galleries section commercial galleries do presentations in various sized booths and either feature presentations of a solo artist or a group exhibition that showcases and reflects the values and style of the gallery.
Left: Alfred Lowe, ‘All Dressed Up For The Gathering’ (2024), hand built stoneware with sgraffito and raffia, 650 x 550 x 350mm. Right: Grace Lillian Lee ‘The Dreamweaver’ (2025), bamboo, cotton weave, necklace, skirt, cotton and kullup shaker matchbox bean tree seed.
This year I’m excited about so many artists. I love Jelena Telecki’s work at 130W SW. She is a painter deeply admired by other Australian painters who creates images that are largely muted in their colour with an inherent tension, humour and often a tense sexuality. Northern Rivers artist Laith McGregor is showing incredible large-scale drawings at Station Gallery that are masterful. First Nation’s artist Alfie Lowe’s vibrant ceramics grace Sabbia Galleries both and are always a standout. Cassandra Bird gallery has a standout First Nations presentation with artists Grace Lillian Lee, Danie Mellor, Arthur Dixon and George Cooley. Each year new galleries participate and this year is Sydney institution China Heights first showing with a group exhibition featuring works by Shaun Daniel Allen and RUSSH‘s own Kitty Callaghan.
In the Futures section I’m inspired by all of the galleries and seeing them take the next step to show at art fairs. I love the work of Nasha Gallery, Laila, Jennings Kerr and Syrup Contemporary. These galleries literally showcase the future.
Laith McGregor ‘Bearing’ (2026), pencil on paper, 156 x 126cm.
In the Paper section there exists some great opportunities to acquire comparatively affordable works. As the name suggests the focus is on works on paper. Think prints, unique small works. Alongside this is Photo Sydney which returns to the Fair showcasing the medium of photography. Blender Gallery always presents well with some iconic images from the history of rock and roll. Solo artist Cybele Malinowski also looks to popular culture in her impactful works that pastiche the figures of Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and Americana.
This year I have the honour of curating the Collectors Lounge at the fair with a selection of works previously acquired from past years of the fair and telling the stories behind what motivated the collectors to choose these works and how the live alongside them in their offices and homes. Associated with this project there will be two in conversations with Collectors Lounge. We are unpacking the idea of what a collector is beyond just someone who buys artworks, they are people who invest time in arts and culture and immersive themselves in creative experiences whilst being an active participant in the sector.
Cybele Malinowski, ‘DEEP FAKE: Run Elvis Run’ (2024), Las Vegas.
This project forms part of an enormous Talk program for the fair. Some highlights include The Next Wave: Art in New Contexts which is a panel discussion with prominent young artists Jazz Money, Billy Bain and Anna May Kirk.
Art Night is a great opportunity to visit the Fair in a more party like atmosphere. There are special performances, music and drinks. People tend to go all out with their art fair looks and it is always a fun night.
Beyond this my key tips are to have fun, wear comfortable shows, keep hydrated and ask questions. If you like something galleries are always more than happy to tell you more about the artist. It’s also a great way to find galleries in your city that you can visit throughout the year for their regular exhibitions.
Have fun and see you at the Fair.
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Feature image: Cybele Malinowski, ‘DEEP FAKE: Run Elvis Run’ (2024), Las Vegas.
