Photographer, artist, and editor Kitty Callaghan shares her top Sydney picks. From secret gardens and top swimming spots to must-see exhibitions, she has your guide to the city covered.
To Kitty, Sydney is a deeply nostalgic city steeped in history, defined just as much by its dramatic coastal inclines as the rich tapestry of cultures stretching west to the Blue Mountains. It’s a place where the past feels constantly present, making it a global bucket-list destination that is entirely worth the journey.
What makes Sydney stand out as a cultural destination?
Sydney feels nostalgic, in my opinion, both to those who have spent their lives here and those who visit. People have been living and working on this land for tens of thousands of years. There is a certain reminiscence here that feels apparent, particularly in summer – even if you are only just getting to know it. Something I love most about our city is its hills and inclines so close to the ocean. Along the coastline, there is so much to do and see all in a relatively small area, steeped in history. The city sprawls far west to the foothills of the Blue Mountains – there is such a rich tapestry of stories, cultures and communities within it that make ours a global pick on the bucket list. It is worth the journey.
If you have friends visiting from outside of town, what are you adding to their itinerary?
If it’s during Autumn or the tail end of Winter, I will suggest a responsible whale watching charter, as they come so close to our rugged shores during migration seasons, and seeing the harbour and going through the heads gives the visual perspective you need. You’d have to have a swim at Wylies, year round that’s a must. If you want to do some shopping, stop by P Johnson Femme and Lucy Folk.
Amrita Hepi, Rinse
What cultural events or exhibitions coincide with Sydney Contemporary that you recommend?
Getting to the Art Gallery of NSW should be on your list – my pick in September would be the Billy Bain exhibition. Amrita Hepi will be performing Rinse at the Sydney Opera House on September 10 – 12. I was lucky enough to see this one-woman show before she took it international. It weaves together autobiographical anecdotes on art, feminism and desire to investigate how impossible a fresh start can be. I loved the pop culture references that also called in colonial history. If you wanted to cap off your Sydney Contemporary week with some music, Happy Mondays at The Enmore Theatre would be the perfect night out on September 5.
Salt, by Sophie Brockwell and Rosie Dalton
What are some places, people or experiences in Sydney currently inspiring you?
Although I am yet to spend some proper time there, I am always drawn to the ceramics coming out of Ryan Der’s Tamarama studio, from artists like himself and Ria Desiree. I love anything that Mass Practice work on, and recently went to the launch of Salt, a photographic book by Sophie Brockwell with poetry and prose by Rosie Dalton. And in terms of people, visiting Kien Situ’s studio before his residency recently concluded at Artspace Sydney had me feeling very inspired, both by his practice and him as a person.
Anna Pogossova, …the call from within things, Passage Gallery. Photo: Campbell Henderson, courtesy Passage Gallery
Do you have a favourite public art installation or mural in the city? What makes it special?
I’m not sure that it would be classified as a public art installation, but something I love about Passage Gallery in Chinatown, is that you can visit at any hour of the day and look. When I have worked late nights and wandered past, I love seeing the glow of the window from the street, I will usually make my way up the escalators. My favourite way to see a body of work is on my own when there is a quiet in the air. They have had amazing installations on show over the years – recently Anna Pogossova and Patricia Piccinini were favourites.
10 William Street
After a day of exploring Sydney Contemporary, where would you go for dinner and drinks to continue the evening?
If you want to be nourished both by food and energy, I would say go to 10 William Street for dinner.
A hidden gem?
My mum always took me to Wendy Whitely’s Secret Garden in Lavender Bay growing up, and it holds a special place in my heart. You can sit and take in the best view of the city, all the while feeling a million miles away from it. The love and care that Wendy and her gardener Corrado have put into that space is special, we are so lucky to have it.
Sydney Contemporary returns to Carriageworks from 3 – 6 September. Tickets are on sale now.
