What makes Sydney stand out as a cultural destination?
One cannot ignore the beauty of our Emerald City! As the gateway to Australia, Sydney has long been a global city—a melting pot of diverse cultures that both provoke incredible tension and harmony. This rich cultural tapestry continuously stimulates deeper thinking and the expansion of horizons.
Where do you go to find inspiration in Sydney?
As one of the most iconic cities known for its deep connection to the natural world, Sydney is a constant source of inspiration for me. The dramatic Pacific Ocean, the striking sandstone cliffs, and the lush, ever-changing rainforests provide a hypnotic backdrop. For a picturesque adventure, the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk is a must, and cooling off in the rock pools at Bronte Beach completes the experience. This iconic trek offers breathtaking vistas, natural beauty, and a chance to experience the sun-drenched charm of Australia’s coastline. Additionally, Sydney’s wonderful national parks, such as the Blue Mountains and Royal National Park, offer stunning landscapes and a tranquil escape from the city. The city’s diverse landscape remains awe-inspiring—wild, untamed, and mysterious. For over 60,000 years, Indigenous cultures have enriched our storytelling tradition, and today, our contemporary Australian identity shines through our energetic, passionate, and perceptive culture, deeply connected to our dynamic geography.
After a day of exploring Sydney Contemporary, where would you go for dinner and drinks to continue the evening?
I was born in Malaysia, where food culture has its own unique identity. A mix of diverse ethnic groups and history has given Malaysian food a global reputation, so naturally, I’m a foodie! Head to Ho Jiak in Chinatown for the best Malaysian street food. For dinner, try Bornga Korean BBQ in Chinatown for melt-in-your-mouth seared wagyu or Mr. Wong’s for premium Chinese cuisine. If you’re in the mood for an ‘Australiano Hour’ aperitivo and $2 oysters, visit Jane in Surry Hills.
In Sydney’s Inner West, Baba’s Place is a cozy neighborhood diner with vintage décor and a menu that spans from Lebanon to Italy to China, reflecting the cultural diversity of the area. Enjoy house-made labneh, chargrilled octopus, or hand-pulled Shanghai noodles. The Saint Cloche team has pre-booked a spot for our post-Sydney Contemporary treat!
For a solo pasta and vino, try Fabbrica Pasta Shop in the city, conveniently located below Acne’s flagship store, which was exquisitely designed by award-winning Sydney-based architecture and interior design practice H&E—making it a perfect excuse for a little shopping.
What cultural events or exhibitions coincide with Sydney Contemporary 2024 that you recommend?
The Sydney Fringe is a 30-day, multi-venue, multi-genre arts and performance festival held annually in September in Sydney. This year, it will feature History of House—an exhilarating journey through the evolution of house music, guided by ARIA-nominated DJ Groove Terminator and Grammy Award winners the Soweto Gospel Choir, which I can’t wait to attend! You can’t go wrong with an old-school beat and a boogie!
Alongside exhibiting at Sydney Contemporary, we’ll also be showcasing Greg Penn’s newest collection at our Paddington gallery. Greg’s sculptural wall hangings, made from clay, mud, and plant extracts, challenge conventional ways of seeing and thinking about the world and ourselves. As an artist, he draws inspiration from the writings of Jiddu Krishnamurti and employs various awareness techniques to stay focused while exploring the natural world.
