With over 85 galleries participating, this eighth edition of Sydney Contemporary promises a vibrant celebration of contemporary art, marked by a diverse array of exhibitions, installations, performances and talks. The event will showcase works from a broad spectrum of local and international galleries, including 14 first-time participants such as CASSANDRA BIRD, Gajah Gallery, and Praxis Art Space.
Among the most anticipated sectors is Works on Paper, which has expanded this year to include 26 galleries. Curated by Akky van Ogtrop, this sector will feature leading artists like Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Chuck Close, and Abdul Abdullah, highlighting contemporary works on paper, printmaking, watercolours, drawings and zines.
Talk Contemporary will offer a series of engaging discussions and panels featuring industry leaders in art, design and architecture. Highlights include a conversation with Kirsha Kaechele of MONA, and panels on topics such as art and fashion, the future of collecting and socially engaged art. The talks aim to delve into current trends and the evolving roles of artists and collectors in the contemporary art world.
Installation Contemporary, curated by Talia Linz, will present ten large-scale installations that go beyond traditional booth presentations, engaging visitors with site-specific and interactive works. Notable installations include the Kulata Tjuta (many spears) project by artists from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, which will feature 200 traditional tools and weaponry suspended from the Carriageworks ceiling.
Other highlights include Rebecca Baumann’s acrylic panel installation, which plays with light and color, and Darren Sylvester’s neon-lit archway, Transformer, evoking a portal from a science fiction epic.
The performance program, Performance Contemporary, curated by Sam Watson-Wood, will bring Carriageworks to life with dynamic live art. Headlining the program is HOSSEI’s ESSSENSSSE, a multidisciplinary performance that explores the tenacity of the human spirit through an aquatic-themed installation. Additionally, the program will feature GRIEF DIGEST, a dedication to the late artist Sēini SistaNative Taumoepeau, performed by Sydney-based artists Sereima Adimate and Kilia Pahulu, who will explore themes of grief and healing through contemporary cultural practices.
Sydney Contemporary also offers a family-friendly experience with Kid Contemporary, led by artist Lara Merrett. This program invites young visitors to participate in an immersive cyanotype workshop, creating their own artworks to contribute to a large-scale installation.
With its diverse programming, Sydney Contemporary 2024 continues to solidify its status as a must-attend event on the international art calendar. The fair not only showcases cutting-edge art from around the world but also fosters critical dialogue and community engagement, making it a pivotal event for collectors, artists and the general public alike.
198 x 153 cm.
