Art exhibitions to see in Sydney this weekend

Looking to start building your art collection without going bankrupt? We’ve got you. The Affordable Art Fair is on right now in Sydney for its fourth year – this time taking over the cavernous halls of Carriageworks and marking the start of the progressive arts precinct’s Summer Program. From now until Sunday, November 9 2025, more than 65 galleries – representing hundreds of local and international artists – will gather under one roof for four days of creative inspiration. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a dedicated collector, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something to fall in love with, with original works priced between $100 and $10,000. At the new Carriageworks location, expect an upgraded layout, more space to browse, and refreshed dining options – plus plenty of spots to linger, swirl a glass of Bird in Hand pinot like a seasoned critic. The 2025 line-up is packed with newcomers and fan favourites. Sydney’s N Smith Gallery joins the Fair for the first time, bringing works by Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro, Sally Scales, Louise Zhang and more. Paddington’s Art2Muse Gallery, Pyrmont’s Audrey Fine Art, and Woolloomooloo’s Frances Keevil Gallery will also make their hometown debuts. From further afield, Tyger Gallery (Yass) and Corner Store Gallery (Orange) will be showing colourful, textural pieces. Returning exhibitors include Woollahra’s Project Gallery, Day Gallery from the Blue Mountains, and the ever-eclectic Jumbled from Orange. Also back are the...

The Art Gallery of New South Wales’ newest exhibition – Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890-1940 – spotlights 50 trailblazing females who were among some of the first to draw attention to the fact that women can make some pretty bloody great art too.  The speedy rate of industrialisation in the 19th century meant a major shift in European society. Artists used it as a chance to reject traditional themes like religion, and instead focused on fresh ways to portray individuals (in a time where it felt like machines were going to rule the world). Meanwhile, women used it as their ticket to pull a seat up at the table. The focus of the exhibition is specifically on our very own Australian and New Zealander artists who made the journey to Europe to immerse themselves in the modernist movement. Gallery-goers can peruse works from historic names like Nora Heysen, Margaret Preston and Grace Cossington Smith, and also witness the work of some lesser-known but equally important creatives like CL Allport, Justine Kong Sing and Stella Marks. Featuring celebrated and rediscovered paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture and ceramics, the exhibition includes work by celebrated artists such as Nora Heysen, Margaret Preston and Grace Cossington Smith, alongside lesser-known but equally compelling figures such as CL Allport, Justine Kong Sing and Stella Marks. Dangerously Modern’s run in Sydney spans all the way to mid-February so a hot (art) girl summer awaits. You...