The (Contemporary) Art of Antiques
In an expansion of taste, young collectors are driving trends for otherwise dusty relics of periods past. From classical ‘stranger art’ oil portraits that evoke the Old Masters, to late-20th century IKEA furniture, the market for antiques, historical objects and vintage items is experiencing a phenomenal surge of interest, particularly among younger collectors discovering these pieces (often for the first time) through a new wave of dealers and gallerists trading on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
As our interiors become increasingly eclectic, blending centuries of design and culture and embracing a combination of traditional high-low aesthetic values, where does contemporary art sit in the mix? This conversation explores the evolving relationship between antiques, vintage design and contemporary art, and looks at how collectors are creating layered spaces that combine both past and present.
Tanya Buchanan | Host
Jesse-Jack de Deyne | Speaker
Madeleine McKenzie | Speaker
Sarah-Jane Pyke | Speaker
Each talk runs for approximately 45 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A. A valid ticket to Sydney Contemporary 2026 is required for entry to this talk. Buy tickets online here.
About the Speakers
Tanya Buchanan is one of Australia’s most recognisable and respected voices in the luxury and interior design media landscape. As editor-in-chief of Belle, and formerly Australian House & Garden, Tanya has hosted countless industry-defining events, including the Belle Interior Design Awards, Belle Milan Reports, Belle ArtStart, and House & Garden’s Top 50 Rooms galas. Beyond the page, Tanya is an in-demand speaker and moderator across luxury, interior design, trade, and consumer events, including panel talks, masterclasses, book launches, design fairs, and trend panels. She regularly collaborates with leading brands and creative figures. Known for her authority, warmth, and deep industry insight, Tanya brings clarity, relevance, and a distinctly editorial lens to every conversation.
Jesse-Jack De Deyne founded A Secondary Eye in 2020 with the aim of developing the secondary market for art and collectibles in Australia. Initially based in Brisbane and now on Queen Street in Woollahra, Sydney, the gallery’s exhibition program focuses upon historically important artists that still have relevance today.Recently Jesse-Jack has taken upon a new role as General Manager and Head of Specialist Sales at Australia’s oldest existing auction house, Theodore Bruce.
Madeleine McKenzie holds a double degree in Commerce and Fine Art from the University of Western Australia and a Master’s in History of Art and Art-World Practice from Christie’s Education in London. She began her career with internships at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice followed by Sotheby’s London, where she then worked for a further two years in the Contemporary Art department across auctions and private sales. In 2017, she moved to New York to work at Sperone Westwater art gallery before returning to Australia. Now based in Sydney, Madeleine has developed expertise in antique and decorative arts, contributing to major collections and auctions in her role as Head of Decorative Arts & Art at Leonard Joel, Sydney. As a specialist in both art and decorative arts, she has overseen a number of important single owner collections in her time with Leonard Joel.
Sarah-Jane Pyke understands the necessity for interiors to be authentically mindful of place and those who inhabit them with over 20 years of professional design experience. Her concepts are clever, not tricky, and her meticulous approach to carving space is underpinned by a sensual elegance that enhances volume and natural light. Sarah-Jane’s design outcomes are beautifully sumptuous given their focus upon tactile elements. Playing to an organic order, her appreciation for true craftmanship is evident in her innovative approach to enhancing the natural power of expressive stone and timber varieties in her intricately detailed custom creations. Possessing an eye for unexpected pairings – most notably manifesting in engaging curations of artworks with prized objects and furnishings – her work translates into equal parts fresh, visceral and functional, above all else sparking enquiry and eliciting delight.
About Sydney Contemporary
Sydney Contemporary, presented by MA Financial Group, returns to Carriageworks from 3-6 September, bringing together 100 galleries from nine countries for the 10th edition of Australasia’s premier art fair. For four unforgettable days of discovery, conversation and spectacle, Carriageworks becomes the centre of the art world in our region. Alive with buzzing crowds, ambitious installations, performances, talks and inspiring encounters with artists and galleries, it’s Sydney’s most exciting cultural event this spring and an event not to miss.
Image: Hawthorn House by Arent & Pyke. Photograph by Anson Smart
