Affectionately known as TOAF, The Other Art Fair is the inaugural Sydney edition of the UK’ s largest artist-led fair. It opened to the public last tonight and runs from Thursday 10th until Sunday 13th September at aMBUSH Gallery in Chippendale’s budding creative hub, Central Park. The event boasts more than 80 artists, including two artist collectives, with mediums spanning across installation, sculpture, mixed media, printmaking, painting, video works and photography. The alternative to Sydney Contemporary, The Other Art Fair is open to all artists both emerging and established, meaning it is much more accessible to visitors with little to no knowledge of Sydney’s contemporary art scene.
The Other Art Fair was originally launched four years ago by organiser Ryan Stainer with Sydney now being number ten on their list of shows and the first international art fair that TOAF has had the pleasure of curating. 
So why Sydney you may ask? Speaking to Ryan he explained that Sydney was a natural choice for the fair’ s first step into the international art scene due to the strong artistic community we have here which is 100% evident upon walking through the numerous booths here. It is such a wonderful experience to view up and coming contemporary art, along with direct contact with the artists themselves in such a relaxed setting rather than dealing indirectly with galleries to satisfy your artistic needs. Most importantly, The Other Art Fair provides a platform for young unrepresented artists to meet their audience and potential collectors as well as providing a great opportunity for networking with galleries and other artists. It also means much lower prices for those wanting to maybe purchase their first piece of art. Who knows, maybe your chosen favourite will be a future Tracy Emin or Damien Hirst!
This year’ s resident rockstar. and my personal favourite of the show, is current Archibald Prize finalist Kim Leutwyler, whose beautiful and vibrant paintings images of LGBTQ-identified and Queer-allied women, focus predominantly on those who have impacted her life in some way. Upon meeting Kim she is just as bright and sunny as her artworks which provide a much needed pop of colour to the white walls of the TOAF exhibition room. Leutwyler, an American born artist, migrated to Australia in 2012 and has since been working predominantly with painting, installation, ceramics, print media and drawing to toy with the concepts of glorification vs. objectification vs. modification, incorporating various facets of nature into her works in order to comment on the mutability of identity gender and beauty. Other stand-out artists include Madeleine Love, Caroline Walls, Yosi Messiah and Millie Bartlett, however it is incredibly difficult to narrow that list down to just a handful with so many wonderful artists exhibiting here.
TOAF is a perfect introduction to the Sydney art scene, and a fantastic experience for both individuals and families, Its relaxed friendly atmosphere is enhanced with a great kids and family area, a wonderful colouring in competition hosted by Eckersley’s arts and crafts, delicious catering from Sydney’s own Black Star Pastry and Tippity Teas, and to top it all off a brilliant art bar connected to the fair for post show drinks.
Sydney fair directo
r Emilya Colliver explains that “Sydney’s first edition of The Other Art Fair offers visitors the opportunity to buy directly from the best emerging and undiscovered artists from around Australia and beyond” and with works ranging from $10 to $10,000, there is something for everyone here, especially for those hoping to begin or make a new addition to their home art collection. TOAF is sure to be the highlight of this year’ s contemporary art fairs.
Words by Emily Johnson
EVENT DETAILS & TICKETING:
Tickets for The Other Art Fair are now available online from www.theotherartfair.com.au
WHEN:
- Thursday 10 September, 3pm – 5pm: Private View (collectors & VIPs invite only)
- Thursday 10 September, 5pm – 930pm: Official Opening Night (tickets $25)
- Friday 11 September, 10am – 8pm (tickets $15)
- Saturday 12 September, 10am – 6pm (tickets $15)
- Sunday 13 September, 10am – 6pm (tickets $15)
WHERE: Level 3, Central Park, 28 Broadway, Chippendale, Sydney 2008
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