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According to Henry Mulholland, a practicing artist and eight-time Archibald Prize finalist, the Sydney art scene is “dynamic” and accessible. However there art critics who may disagree, especially in the area of emerging yet undiscovered artists. In recent years many of the small artist run galleries, which allow emerging artists to show off their work, have been disappearing largely due to high rental costs.
Despite perhaps a lack of visual disclosure for up and coming artists Sydney’s art scene remains vibrant, explorative and diverse. Sydney’s artistic evolvement includes an important Aboriginal art history along with modern day geniuses such as Arthur Boyd and Brett Whiteley.
That Sydney boasts a healthy number of large and independent art galleries is testament to active art scene, many committed to supporting Australian artists by hosting thematic exhibitions. The Brenda May Gallery is one such place in Waterloo and offers an extensive ‘open’ stockroom of movable racks. One of the most popular galleries is the Brett Whiteley Studio in Surry Hills, housed at the place where this great artist lived and worked from 1988 to 1992. The gallery allows visitors a unique insight into his work.
Iconic on the gallery scene is the Art Gallery of New South Wales, one of Australia’s foremost cultural centres, housing an extensive Australian and Aboriginal art collection. The Museum of Contemporary Art is also worth a visit offering the work of leading international and Australian artists as well as exhibitions, talks and events.
Dedicated to supporting Australian artists are the S.H. Ervin Gallery at The Rocks and Sherman Galleries in Paddington. Both establishments host programs and exhibitions by significant Australian artists such as Janet Laurence, Daniel Crooks and Mike Parr.
The Tim Olsen Gallery is one of Sydney’s foremost galleries and represents 25 artists including renowned Australian painter John Olsen. For contemporary art Stillis Gallery specialises in photomedia and includes large-scale conceptual works, neons, video installations as well as traditional photography.
On the cutting edge of the art scene is the Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, extremely contemporary and noted for great opening parties and equally fantastical artists. Formally the Somawo Gallery, Rogers Projects in Surry Hills presents collections of beautifully crafted furniture pieces and inspired artworks.
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