6 recommendations

Melbourne Art Fair Opens in Style

Melbourne Art Fair 2008 opened on Wednesday evening wowing hordes of hip and happening art lovers with a dazzling array of contemporary art on exhibition from some of the hottest artists on the planet.

Editorial Review

What: Melbourne Art Fair 2008
When: Thursday 31 July – Sunday, 3 August
Where: Royal Exhibition Building
Carlton Gardens Melbourne Australia
Web: www.artfair.com.au
Cost: $24 Adult, $16 Concession
Tickets at the door

They came mostly dressed in the art lover’s uniform of choice (black); some arriving cheque book in hand, others just to appreciate the incredible range of work on display. And with the champagne flowing freely, no one left disappointed.

The numerous exhibits, supported by some of Australia’s best known galleries, feature contemporary art post 1970, including paintings, sculpture, photographs, installations, film and sound recordings, (provided these are original works), with a condition that 80% of all artwork on display is to be created by living artists. These guidelines enable an excellent display of contemporary artwork to assemble under one roof that will amuse, challenge, outrage and certainly amaze visitors to the Fair.

And the great news is, there’s something for everyone – and the price range reflects this. Citysearch loved the shimmering gold garden gnomes cheekily giving the finger - a sculptural steal for under $200! And of course, then there are the Hensons for sale – work that has increased in value post national censorship scandal – and everything imaginable in between, with an excellent representation of the cream of Australia and international contemporary artists showcasing their exciting work.

Highlights and features abound and we recommend you allow a day to take it all in. Whether you’re an aspiring, emerging or established artist interested in the current contemporary art landscape, or an art enthusiast or lover – this is the event for you, and we can’t think of a better way to spend the weekend.

(And you don’t even have to wear black.)

Cath Pope, Managing Editor, Citysearch

Click here to read interview with Bronwyn Johnson, Director of the Melbourne Art Fair.