Art and more at Sydney Contemporary
Image: JUSTENE WILLIAMS
No Mind 2015
video still
Australasia’s preeminent art fair, Sydney Contemporary, makes a spectacular return to Carriageworks this September, showcasing the works of over 450 artists from more than 90 Australian and New Zealand galleries in a four day festival of art, performance, music, discussion and sparkling wine.
In this, its sixth iteration, Sydney Contemporary has put together a thrilling program that includes two big nights of dance, talks, music, and performance. Artists from 34 countries have contributed works that represent a variety of styles and genres.
Opening night (September 8) will feature a specially commissioned performance work by celebrated artist, Justene Williams. Williams’ art is visually striking and dynamic. She creates across a range of mediums incorporating movement, elaborate costumes, sound and industrial scale pieces.
For Sydney Contemporary, Williams has devised a work entitled, She predicted the weather (2022) which comprises three large boat sculptures with brightly coloured sails being rocked by singing performers in weather-themed costumes.
Jeff Khan and Samantha Watson-Wood of Performance Space have curated an additional program of esoteric works as part of opening night events.
The following night, Salote Tawale and Alli Sebastian Wolf will be in the thick of it. Tawale’s work includes live video feeds and assemblies in space in new interpretations of self-portraiture. Wolf’s art will be worn by performers who roam throughout the exhibition.
The main event on Friday night will be a talk on the very topical issue of NFTs (non-fungible tokens). In a panel discussion called NFTs: Sizzle or Fizzle, an art consultant, artists working at the forefront of digital art technology, and a collector and a gallerist will share their experience and opinions of the merits or otherwise of NFTs.
Leading Sydney DJ, Jonny Seymour will provide a electronic soundscape perfect for browsing and carousing.
The other half of the fair will be a weekend filled with art, entertainment and more art with a program that should cater to most tastes – including kids.
For more information and to book tickets, visit: sydneycontemporary.com.au
