Top art galleries in Sydney, The Culture Trip October 2015
Those who want to explore the art scene do not have to wander too far; institutions such as the Museum of Contemporary Art sit proudly by the water in Circular Quay, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is perched at the top of the city’s Botanical Gardens. For those who want to explore off the beaten track and find some hidden gems off the main streets, see these top five galleries.
Artereal Gallery
Set in the funky streets of Rozelle, surrounded by lively cafés and bars of Darling Street, Artereal Gallery is a unique space that celebrates the experimental work of international and national, emerging and established artists that work across a range of formats. The diversity of Artereal’s exhibition schedule means there are always new trends and movements in contemporary art on display to inspire and intrigue viewers. Although the gallery has a sleek and minimalist interior, Artereal Gallery sits within an 1890s historic fire station, and you can’t miss the beautiful building from the street.
Artereal Gallery, 747 Darling Street, Rozelle, (02) 9818 7473 Wednesday – Saturday 11 am – 5 pm
Sarah Cottier Gallery
The leafy suburb of Paddington is a must-see for anyone looking to experience Sydney life off the main street. Paddington is home to some of Sydney’s biggest leading commercial galleries and it is easy to spend an entire day in this part of town hopping between gallery spaces with brief coffee stops in between. If you make the trip to this cultural pocket, a visit to Sarah Cottier Gallery will undoubtedly impress and inspire you. This space exhibits a stellar range of contemporary art and installations that engage audiences and deliver works in innovative ways. Well worth a visit if you are in the market for buying talking-pieces or if you are intrigued by all things contemporary.
Sarah Cottier Gallery, 23 Roylston Street, Paddington, (02) 9356 3305 Tuesday – Saturday 11 am – 6 pm
Carlton Projects
Based under the thriving precinct of Central Park, (a large vine-covered building nearby Central Station with apartments, dining, retail, entertainment) Carlton Projects is constantly evolving, much like the fast-paced environment it sits within. Also close to the Chippendale Art Precinct, this space displays a vast range of emerging contemporary artists in an incredibly versatile space. Think light installations that play with shadow, glass sculptures, and geometric works with paper, all displayed in a white cube space.
Carlton Projects, 8 Central Park Avenue, Chippendale, Opening times – Tuesday – Saturday 12 pm – 4 pm or by appointment
Wellington Street Projects
Take a stroll down the frangipani-lined Wellington Street to find yourself at this great artist run initiative. Each project hosted at Wellington Street is different from the last, and their entire exhibition schedule is based around the relationship between artists, audiences, and community. These guys keep their finger on the pulse and installations and projects by contemporary artists are always fresh. Make sure you check online before going to make sure an exhibition is on display, as being an artist run space the schedule can be sporadic, but well worth a visit if your time allows.
Wellington Street Projects, 19-25 Wellington Street, Chippendale, Opening times subject to exhibition calendar, check website before organizing your visit
During exhibitions, Thursday – Sunday 11-5 pm
S.H. Ervin Gallery
Observatory Hill is a unique location. Based next to the Harbour Bridge, it has the thriving cosmopolitan life of the Rocks at its feet and yet in itself is a quiet refuge from another time, overlooking stunning views of the city, with fig tree-lined paths and sandstone walkways. S.H. Ervin Gallery exhibits a high range of contemporary and historical Australian art that makes for a diverse exhibition calendar which caters to all tastes. Exhibitions include well established high profile artists as well as emerging graduates working across painting, sculpture, and photography. Based in the historical site of Fort Street Girls School, the gallery also boasts a retail art shop and café to while away the afternoon in.
S.H. Ervin Gallery, 2 Watson Road, Observatory Hill, (02) 9258 0173, Tuesday – Sunday 11 am – 5 pm
images:
Hyan Han Lee, installation view, courtesy Artereal Gallery
Chris Dolmans, Empty Vessels, installation view, courtesy Wellington St. Projects
Brendan van Hek, Turn the day to night, installation view, courtesy Sarah Cottier Gallery