Displayed in the Sydney Town Hall and open until 19 May 2024, The Art of Banksy Sydney is an impressive display of some of his greatest works.
Starting with a timeline of Banksy’s works, the exhibition illustrates the progression of his works and its commentary on western society. Each of the roughly 180 pieces was explained so that everyone could understand why it was created and the impact it had.
Copies of work from Ukraine were displayed along with recorded reactions from Ukrainians and Russians. As expected the Russian reaction was aggressive and negative, having their actions called out and broadcast to the world.
We loved the art and its political content and were pleased that we took the opportunity to see it while it was in Sydney.
Beginning of the Banksy TimelineI’m Out of Bed What More Do You WantThe Mild Mild WestSweep It Under The Carpet Flower ThrowerThe Queen and Ziggy StardustAnarchist GuardNapalmGirl With BalloonGirl With Balloon
The Art Gallery of NSW new North Building displays contemporary art, with an emphasis on Indigenous Australian art. The building reflects this with bright well lit rooms and colourful displays. A highlight is the use of its basement, an old storage tank as a display space.
Getting There
Located, to the north of the original Art Gallery (now the South Building), it’s walkable from the Sydney CBD. We used the train from Central Station, getting off at St. James and walking, although buses can also be used. If you drive, the Domain carpark would be the closest option.
Arriving before opening time, we took some photos of the giant sculptures outside and then had a coffee at the café opposite the entrance.
Inside
With four levels, there is plenty of space to display artworks. The ground floor has an amazing display of Indigenous art and its great that this is the first gallery you see on entering. Previously displayed at the South Building the collection now has pride of place at the entrance.
The next two levels down display a series of contemporary art in addition to having access to outside galleries. Here we found an amazing flower sculpture, as well as a Buddhist Temple.
Lower Level 4 – The Tank
The highlight though was The Tank. Level 4 used to be an underground oil storage tank, but has been repurposed as an art space. Access is via a spiral staircase, which you descend into increasing darkness. Left deliberately dark, with the original columns still in place, it’s eerie, with lights moving on the ceiling, slowly brightening and dimming to highlight the sculptures there.
Before entering, you are warned that the area is dark and claustrophobic, so that you know what to expect. Numerous staff patrol the space, ensuring everyone obeys the rules (no flash photos) and remains safe.
We loved it, the sculptures were unworldly and the empty spaces and columns eerie.
Here Comes Everybody by Francis UpritchardHere Comes Everybody by Francis UpritchardLevel 1Untitled by Frank StellaKu (dogs)Seven Sisters by Nyunmiti BurtonDhamala Story by David Malangi DaymirringuDeath Zephyr by Yhonnie ScarceJapan Supernatural: Vertiginous After Staring at the Empty World Too Intensely, I Found Myself Trapped in the Realm of Lurking Ghosts and Monsters by Takashi Murakami Banners From The Lot by Eko NugrohoThree Paintings by John Prince Siddonby Ramesh Mario NithiyendranAntara by Betty Kuntiwa PumaniGuts (2022) by Samara GoldenFlowers that Bloom in the Cosmos by Yayoi KusamaSculpture GardenThe End of Imagination by Adrian Villar RojasThe End of Imagination by Adrian Villar RojasThe TankIn the Tank – The End of Imagination by Adrian Villar RojasThe End of Imagination by Adrian Villar RojasThe End of Imagination by Adrian Villar Rojas
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Open until 14 May 2023, “Shuo Shu”, at the White Rabbit Gallery in Chippindale, Sydney shows the progression of story telling in China. Using various mediums from traditional paintings and sculptures to video displays it takes you on a journey from 4000 years ago to the present.
Opened in 2009, The White Rabbit Gallery showcases one of the world’s most significant collections of Chinese contemporary art.
Dedicated to works made in the 21st century, the White Rabbit Collection is owned by Judith Neilson, who to established it after her first trips to Beijing in the late 1990s. The Collection now includes almost 3000 works by almost 750 artists and continues to expand.
Refitted as an exhibition space by architect William Smart, the gallery building was once a Rolls-Royce service depot. Since the Gallery can house only a fraction of the collection at any one time, there are two new exhibitions a year, each involving a full rehang. For this reason, the Gallery closes during installations, usually in February and August.
The ground floor also has a Tea House serving snacks and drinks, which is a great place to relax while visiting.
Opening times are Wednesday to Sunday !0:00AM to 5:00PM. Entry is free.
The White Rabbit GalleryUncle by Wu Junwong
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
