Ariela Bard

The devil’s in the detail of these rich photographic portraits, which you can see for yourself in a free exhibition at the National Art School.

The “long overdue” exhibition includes 90 dazzlingly colourful pieces spanning five decades.

Writer Ariela Bard first fell for the artist’s work on a trip to Paris aged 18. She guides us through five iconic pieces to seek out in the gallery’s winter exhibition.

Take a weekend drive to the country art gallery to see the influential artist’s powerful paintings – some with 40-year-old bugs captured in the canvases.

Look closer at her large-scale abstract paintings and you’ll see layers of paint that shift and dance in the light.

From the best coffee to an extraordinary two billion-year-old gorge and an annual marketplace and exhibition showing art from Central Australian art centres, a visit to Mparntwe (Alice Springs) is an immensely rewarding experience.

From brisket to bagels, sandwiches to (pizza) slices, Sydney’s eatery operators are in a NY state of mind.

The Yankunytjatjara artist won the $100,000 award for a painting that one judge says “gives you a surprise every time” you see it.

Like the group’s other restaurants, it’s all about irreverently executed classics: must-order scallops casino with butter and heaps of pangrattato; a memorable steak tartare with an unexpected twist; macaroni alla vodka that tastes like the best pasta bake you’ll ever eat; and cocktails that cross New York classics with the “daggy drinks” of the ’80s.

It’s perfect for weekday long lunches. Head in for a six-strong pasta menu, including conchiglie with zucchini – cooked until it collapses in a sweet and creamy sauce, and finished with a luxurious swirl of stracciatella – and a beef Milanese with Napoli sauce, Parmigiano-Reggiano, provolone and an optional fried egg on top.

The fair has long been known for its inclusive and welcoming approach to art – this is no stark, white-walled, price-on-application experience. Expect free nude illustrations, works by emerging and established artists to add to (or begin) your collection, and immersive installations.

The menu at this stylish restaurant – by the team behind opulent Euro eateries Parlar and Franca – leans luxe, but it’s surprisingly accessible, with a light lunch menu of salads, pasta, burgers and pies geared to local creatives.