12 Of Our Favourite Independent Australian Galleries
Going to an art gallery is a bit like looking at the moon.
You know when you look at the moon and it makes you feel all significant and insignificant at the same time. It’s difficult to articulate what art does to a person, which is probably why critics use all that superfluous language to describe it. If you’re feeling sad and sombre I would suggest a trip to the gallery. If you’re feeling grateful and full of wonder I would suggest a trip to the gallery. And here are the galleries I would recommend.
China Heights, Surry Hills NSW
A tidy, lofty warehouse studio located in leafy Surry Hills, China Heights is one of our favourite galleries and has been since it opened in 2004. Started by three friends Edward Woodley, Michael Sharp and Mark Drew, China Heights is the perfect intersection of fine art and design, with a focus on street art, graphic design and emerging artists. DISTANT FAMILIARITY, the latest exhibition of works by Yugambeh-born Bundjalung artist, Shaun Daniel Allen (Shal) is currently on until the end of the month.
Roslyn Oxley9, Paddington NSW
Established in Sydney in 1982, Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery has fostered the careers of some of the most influential Australian artists working today. With over forty years under their belt, the gallery is well known for its international exhibitions. Dale Frank’s Alicia’s thirteen puppies in an old Adidas bag is on show now until July 6th.
Gertrude Contemporary, Preston VIC
Gertrude Contemporary is a converted factory building featuring a contemporary art gallery and brimming art studio space supporting sixteen artists for a two year period every two years. It is a leading incubator of contemporary art with a proven track record of shaping the careers of Australia’s most celebrated artists. Octopus 24: Ricochet curated by Patrice Sharkey is currently on show.
Animal House Fine Arts, Brunswick East VIC
Quite fresh to the gallery world having opened its doors in July last year, Animal House Fine Arts is a great little space with an already impressive rotation of local talent. Victoria Stolz' first solo exhibition Visualisation is currently on show.
Station Gallery, South Yarra VIC
Established in Melbourne in 2011, with a second space opened in Sydney in 2019, Station is dedicated to presenting an engaging, conceptually-driven exhibition program of both local and international artists. If you love rock and roll, you’ll love the current exhibition by Nell and Tiger Yaltangki.
Arts Project Australia, Collingwood VIC
Arts Project Australia is a creative social enterprise that supports artists with intellectual disabilities through their studio and gallery spaces. All forms of mediums are on display here including paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, photography, digital art, animation, stop-motion, public art, and zines, making for one of the most wholesome galleries in the country.
TIME&SPACE, Burleigh QLD
While the Gold Coast is well known for its insane waves, weather and tattooed hotties it isn’t so much known for its brimming artistic culture. That is not to say that it is a place without talent, quite the opposite, but the absence of spaces for artists to exhibit their work are few and far between. Cue TIME&SPACE. While not a traditional gallery in the sense that is available to hire for pop ups of any variety, it is the closest thing the Gold Coast has to an art space with frequent exhibitions from local talent. Also conveniently located next to MC Sandwich House (not ours no).
Laundry Gallery, Parap NT
Housed in an iconic 70’s era laundromat, Laundry Gallery is a First Nation owned multidisciplinary creative hub representing modern iterations of Indigenous arts. Spinning something new with exhibitions cycling monthly and a curated selection of artisan works available in-store and online. The current exhibition features Tjarlirli and Kaltukatjara artists exploring silk painting, namely Yara Kutjupa (A different way).
Papunya Tjupi Arts, Papunya NT
Based 250 km North West of Alice Springs, Papunya Tjupi Arts is a 100% First Nation owned and run community arts organisation and gallery supporting over Australia’s leading and emerging contemporary artists. As the birthplace of the Western Desert painting movement, Papunya Tjupi showcases artists from the Papunya and surrounding outstations, who are renowned for their strong line-work.
Short St, Broome WA
Short St Art Gallery specialises in First Nation works from remote Indigenous communities and Art Centres from the Kimberley, Tiwi Island, the APY & NG Lands, Central Desert, Pilbara and throughout regional Australia. The gallery houses a swarth of highly awarded artists whose works hold profound meaning and significance within the context of Australian culture.
PS Art Space, Fremantle WA
Located in a beautiful heritage-listed building in the heart of Walyalup/Fremantle, PS Art Space leads the way as an exciting and experimental platform to experience contemporary culture. It is also home to one of the largest studio offerings, with 36 spaces within the centre, so you know there’s going to be some talent brewing within its walls.
Sweet Pea, Boorloo WA
Sweet Pea is a gallery aimed at supporting early career artists and providing a collegial and accessible local arts community in Western Australia. Something is in the water over in WA and this is definitely one to watch in the coming years.
