Get Naked (and Inked) at This Year’s the Other Art Fair, in Barangaroo’s Cavernous Cutaway
Words by Ariela Bard · Updated on 12 May 2023 · Published on 10 May 2023
The Other Art Fair, the leading international art fair for independent artists, opens at Barangaroo’s Cutaway today with works by more than 130 local and international artists, and an eclectic program of features, workshops, immersive installations, DJs and a lively bar.
While the fair has long been known for its inclusive and welcoming approach to art – this is no stark, white-walled, price-on-application experience – this year, it's inviting visitors to bare all as artist Aley Wild pumps out free, three-minute, nude illustrations.
“It’s an opportunity for people to have that catharsis of revealing themselves,” fair director, Luke Potkin, tells Broadsheet. “It’s as much about the process of people feeling comfortable in their own skin as it is about the artwork itself. Aley is a real people person and, for her, it’s just as much about connecting with people and hearing their stories.” Wild’s set-up is discreet, behind privacy screens, and those not wanting to strip down can still sit for a portrait with their clothes on.
Another drawcard is Australian painter Elliot Guerrisi-Watson, who will be creating a large mural – live – throughout the duration of the fair. “With street art and murals, so often you come across them fully formed and you don’t see them come to life,” Potkin says. “It’s a chance to peek behind the magician’s curtain.”
Emerging artists will be at the fair, including graphic designer Em Hatton, who will be showing her illustrative works for the first time alongside established names like Sydney-based Kris Ancog, whose “meditative dreamscapes” are like “looking into heaven”, Potkin says. “There is an extremely wide choice so people can come and find what they love.”
Tattoo artists Ink Sphinx and Nah Mate will be offering stick-and-poke tattoos for those wanting to take home an eternal piece of art on their bodies. The spaces fill up fast, so book yourself a slot on arrival and take in the art until your time is nigh. Illustrator and paper artist Claire Cassidy from Studio Flos will be running collage workshops with Frankie magazine at various times over the three days.
While the fair is a go-to for collectors looking to discover new and affordable works, it’s also a welcoming space for people who have never set foot inside a commercial gallery. Many of the exhibiting artists offer works in a range of sizes and price points, and will be selling prints, gifts and merch in addition to original works.
“Our purpose is to create a fun and social environment where people don’t feel like they have to have an art history degree in order to walk through the doors,” says Potkin. “It can help people start to make going to galleries and exploring art a part of their life.
“[It’s for] serious collectors discovering new artists, to people who have never been to a commercial gallery before and are just starting their journey. It’s not an intimidating experience.”
The Other Art Fair runs from May 11–14 at The Cutaway at Barangaroo. It’s offering your mum, or mother figure, a free ticket to the fair this Mother’s Day. Use the promo code ARTMUM at the checkout for a 50 per cent discount on two Sunday tickets. Tickets for workshops can be purchased here.
