Art Month always seems to fly past and this year has been no exception. We haven’t made it to many “official” events this year, so with the end in sight we decided to get along to see the many art exhibitions that collectively formed the Chippendale Precinct Party (and apparently Redfern, but we didn’t have our walkin’ boots on). There were too many galleries to see in the 2 hours so we prioritised a few new spaces we hadn’t visited, and one we haven’t visited in a very long time.
First stop was UTS Gallery. We weren’t sure what to expect, and after getting lost in the gorgeous design faculty, we finally found it. The UTS gallery is a beautiful big space: well lit, minimalist and professional. The exhibition on this cloudy evening was The Baker’s Dozen – a group show from a collection of like-minded artists that explored abstraction, illusion and aesthetic (see the room sheet for background). The colour and energy in the exhibition was intoxicating.
Stop number two was DNA Projects with an exhibition titled Shadowplay. Jumaadi, Jason Wing and Ruark Lewis explored traditional and contemporary shadow puppet imagery and objects through puppetry, drawing and photography. The exhibition was haunting and mysterious . Although we were enthusiastic to see it, we had to give run away before the performance piece began as the rain started coming down. With no umbrella we decided to run across to our next stop.
NG Gallery. Long time no see. We really love this place. The upstairs galley is always warm and inviting and always has something phenomenal on show. This particular evening it was Here Today Gone Tomorrow, Life’s Fragile Nature, a group exhibition featuring both local and international artists working with paper. The exhibition was truly amazing, the room sheet went so far as to claim this was an exhibition of “paper geniuses” and in a lot of cases we wholeheartedly agree. We’ll never look at paper as such a humble medium again.
Finally the clock struck 8pm and the galleries began to close, so off we go to the after hours Audi Art Bar at White Rabbit Gallery. On seeing the line of punters trying to get in running down the street we realised that there would be no art appreciation happening here. But who are we to turn up our noses at complimentary wine and a packed room of hipsters? Bring it on. Great way to finish a great night. Looking forward to next year’s Art Month!