The best art exhibitions to see in Sydney this month

The most significant cultural development to be established in the Harbour City since the Sydney Opera House opens its doors to the public in December. Sidled up next to the existing Art Gallery of New South Wales, the new standalone building is the centrepiece of the Sydney Modern expansion, and has been in the works for the past decade. We couldn't choose just one exhibition to recommend – so set aside a whole day, and check out highlight art picks.

Eight Artists puts a spotlight on major works from the MCA Collection by female Australian artists, featuring significant recent acquisitions as well as Collection highlights. Collection favourites such as Esme Timbery’s ‘Shellworked Slippers’ are joined by never-exhibited-before works, including a multi-panel bark painting by Naminapu Maymuru White and a new commission of an 'ephemeral salt drawing' by Sandra Selig.

ArtExpress proves that great art knows no age limit. In 2023, the Art Gallery of NSW is celebrating an impressive 40 years of a unique exhibition that showcases the talents of Year 12 artists from across NSW who have poured their souls into their Visual Arts course as part of their HSC. 

Gather ‘round, fashion lovers. The Powerhouse museum in Ultimo has unveiled its major survey exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of the distinguished and oh-so-fashionable Sydneysider, Carla Zampatti (1938–2021). If you’re not already a Zampatti admirer, you will leave this exhibition minted as a fan of the original “queen of the jumpsuit”. This is the first internationally exclusive retrospective of the much admired Italian-born designer presents the life and work of Zampatti.

The alternative music scene of the ‘90s is the focus of this new major exhibition at the Powerhouse. Unpopular draws on artifacts from the archive of renowned music promoter Stephen ‘Pav’ Pavlovic, the founder of the legendary Summersault festival tour. A key player in the music industry, Pav was responsible for the first and only Australian tour by Nirvana, and also brought the likes of the Beastie Boys, Sonic Youth, Beck, Foo Fighters, Pavement, Rancid, Jawbreaker, Bikini Kill and the Amps to our shores.

Following record breaking attendances for I Loved You, White Rabbit Gallery, Sydney’s dedicated space for contemporary Asian art, invites you to gather round the 29 artists showing in Shuo Shu 说书 (Storytelling) and hear the tales they have to tell. Opening just before Christmas, this show maps the evolution of stories and the written word in Chinese culture.