I’ve always had a love of art.
Not just a visually-pleasing kind of love, but a really deep I-want-to-discover-the-little-window-into-the-artist’s-soul kind of true love. I believe that artwork affords the viewer a glimpse into how another sees the world we share. As a collector, an artwork may represent not only a personal aesthetic, but also reflect shared beliefs beyond the physical canvas.
The icing on my arty cake is being married to an art dealer. I’m very happy being his ‘plus one’ attending dozens of gallery openings and art exhibitions throughout the year. And the cherry on top is having a broad appreciation for not only the style or period or subject matter, but also the materials used, their application and the meaning behind it all.
That is also why Sydney’s only biennial international art fair – Sydney Contemporary – is one of my favourite events on the art calendar. And also why I couldn’t help myself and attended this year’s event twice on the weekend.
Held at Sydney’s striking arts precinct Carriageworks in Eveleigh for it’s second anniversary, Sydney Contemporary showcased artworks from a record-breaking 90+ galleries from Australia, New Zealand, Asia, America and South America. You can’t help but be drawn into the impressive collection of painting, sculpture, performance art, printmaking and video works all on display under one roof!
From part-time art enthusiasts to cashed-up collectors, and casual admirers to weekend visitors who meandered the infinite maze of stands, there really was something for everyone.
Whilst the artwork provided the visual feast, pop-up restaurants by the likes of Longrain’s Subcontinental, Mary’s Burgers, Bloodwood and Gelato Messina, and the occasional sip of Petaluma Chardonnay provided the all important taste feast to keep our energy levels up!
As I wandered the halls for hours in search of my next coveted investment, I was constantly met with a sea of red ‘sold’ dots, making me both anxious that I might miss out on my prize, yet thrilled that Sydney’s interest in art is alive and well.
I love to discover trends in international art . . .
To entertain the possibility of buying something for my home or recommending pieces to others . . .
To chat with artists and gallery owners about their works on display . . .
To learn about new artists for the first time whose works are about an inestimable number of things . . .
And to visit some favourites . . .
Sydney Contemporary mustered up a ‘Disneyland-meets-Easter-Show’ vibe this year that left us feeling like big kids in a big candy store!
Whether it be landscape, nature, politics, the fascinating use of materials or something all together other-worldly, I love to seek out the challenging works as much as the beautiful ones, and picture them in my future living room in my future house that has endless wall space . . .
As is often the case, I fell in love with far too many pieces at Sydney Contemporary to choose just one!
All images via © Alexandra Kidd Design