Get ready to raise a glass to curious encounters and immerse yourself in a colourful world of art, because The Other Art Fair is landing back in Sydney from May 8–11, and it’s once again taking over the cavernous White Bay Cruise Terminal in Balmain.
Cast aside your preconceptions – this global event is a place where barriers are broken and the usual art-world rules don’t apply. You have the chance to connect with more than 100 independent artists; get hands-on with immersive installations; witness unexpected performances; and discover artwork that makes you stop, think, and maybe even laugh out loud.
With live DJs on the decks and a buzzing bar serving up refreshments, you can also expect the return of fair favourites like live Art Battles and fine line tattoos from local stick-and-poke artists – and yes, that ink is permanent, we have road tested getting tattooed at the fair (refer to the video below).
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This time around, you can also take a chance on a Blind Date With An Artwork (for $200) and check out James Patrick’s Art Vending Machine filled with one-of-a-kind, entirely human-made miniature artworks. The May fair is also all fired up for The Ceramics Edit, which puts the incredible work of Australian ceramicists in the spotlight. And the matriarchs haven’t been forgotten either, on Sunday (May 11) the fair becomes “The Mother Art Fair” – a special Mother’s Day transformation, spotlighting artists who explore themes of motherhood, childhood, and matrescence.
You’ll also discover topical works that tackle today’s most pressing themes – from Space Cowboy’s technology-enhanced pieces (loved by David Guetta) to Shorouq Shabsoug’s abstract interpretations of Palestinian resilience, and Sarah Beeston’s provocative depiction of a certain orange-haired political figure.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, there’s art for every taste and budget. We’re told that this will be the only Sydney edition of the fair this year, so now is definitely not the time to sleep on it.
The Opening Night event will kick things off on Thursday, May 8 (5–10pm) before the Fair runs across the weekend from Friday, May 9 (3–10pm), Saturday, May 10 (10am–6pm), and Sunday, May 11 (10am–5pm). Tickets start at $24.24 and you can snap them up at theotherartfair.com/sydney.
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