We invited Deputy Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney, Jess Scully, to select her highlights from the new artworks added to Explore Sydney Contemporary on 16 November. Browse and buy artwork by over 500 artists online from 11–21 November 2021.
"Art that offers a window into another world, a portal to help me see the world in a new way, and a frame to help me understand this historical moment. I love the vicarious rush of emotion, the transfer of warmth or pain or story that can reverberate through the brushstrokes or materiality of a work."
Jess Scully uses creativity to engage people in the future economy and with urban life in the twenty-first century, working towards a sustainable and inclusive world. In 2019 she was elected as Deputy Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney and has been a councillor since 2016.
Previously, Jess founded Vivid Ideas, Australia’s largest creative industries event; supported emerging talent through projects such as the Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards; sparked new thinking through TEDxSydney and transformed public space as a public art curator. She has also worked as a policy advisor, radio host and magazine editor.
Her first book, Glimpses of Utopia: Real ideas for a fairer world, was published by Pantera Press in August 2020
Adrian Hobbs Revival (I will be your shelter), 2021 shaped panel mounted on timber frame 161cm x 110cm AU$12,000 incl. GST Presented by Gallery 9
On what she looks for when collecting art– "Colour and humour, feeling and personality. I've always found myself drawn to faces: making eye contact with characters and creatures of all kinds, but I'm slowly expanding into an appreciation of landscapes. I think the lockdown heightened my need for more visions of broad horizons and wild country. "
Tom Polo, enter to exit (once), 2021 acrylic and gouache on paper 37.5cm x 29.5cm Presented by Roslyn Oxley9
Grant Stevens The Forest, 2020 procedurally generated computer graphics with sound, multiple display formats 1-3 video channels Edition: Edition of 5 plus 2 artist’s proofs Click to watch video Duration: endless duration AU$12,000 incl. GST Presented by Sullivan+Strumpf
Juan Davila Ex Voto, 1991 oil and collage on canvas 89cm x 77cm AU$30,000 incl. GST Presented by Kalli Rolfe Contemporary Art
Locust Jones, Matrix, 2021 ink, shellac, pigment, pencil and oil bar on layers of photographic backlit film inside wooden light box with led panels 75cm x 75cm x 15cm AU$8,000 incl. GST Presented by Bett Gallery
"I'm particularly interested in supporting emerging Australian artists and I feel very lucky to have bought early works in the last fifteen years from artists whose work I'd never be able to afford to acquire today!"
Ebony Russell Blue with Swags, 2021 piped porcelain and stain 75cm x 27cm x 25cm AU$5,000 incl. GST Presented by Artereal Gallery
Miranda Skoczek Crafting Paradise, 2021 oil and acrylic on linen 187cm x 155cm AU$12,000 incl. GST Presented by EDWINA CORLETTE
"I love art that brings joy and surprise: the playful, cheeky, and silly is essential. My husband Pat and I are both also instinctive fans of more-is-more artworks and big bold graphics too!"
Kate Ballis Menrad, 2021 pigment print, framed in custom built lilac painted frame with corner detail 103cm x 153cm x 5cm Edition: 1 AU$4,900 incl. GST Presented by Gallerysmith
Don Cameron Neviges, 2020 archival pigment print on cotton rag art paper, custom brass with bronze patina frame 132cm x 132cm x 6cm Edition: Edition of 5 + 2 AP AU$12,500 incl. GSt Presented by Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthbert
Virginia Leonard Urns for unwanted limbs #2 & #9, 2021 Clay, resin, lustre, pure gold 40cm x 45cm x 30cm AU$7,000 incl. GST Presented by PAULNACHE
Sally Scales Wati Tjakura Creation Story, 505-21AS, Adelaide Studio, 2021 synthetic polymer paint on linen 151cm x 197cm Presented by APY Art Centre Collective