With an instinct for the unexpected and a lifelong connection to art, fashion and design, Eva Galambos brings a distinctive eye to this year’s Sydney Contemporary. Founder and Director of Parlour X and a Sydney Contemporary Ambassador, Eva has selected the works, artists and conversations that have caught her attention. Here, she shares what she’s most excited to see at the Fair.
Photo: Eva sits in her Ball Chair by Finnish designer Eero Aarnio, Eva Galambos, in front of Adam Cullen’s, Untitled (Ned Kelly), 2007. Picture: Michael Comninus. Photo originally publish on The Australian.
Artists Not To Miss
Brett Weir, Untitled, 2025. Courtesy of the artist and Jacob Hoerner Galleries.
Brett Weir presented by Jacob Hoerner Galleries: The vibrant colours, composition and scale of this work really speak to me. I can easily visualise this in my home.
Murray Fredericks, BLAZE #22 Kangaroo Lake, Great Darling Anabranch, 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Michael Reid.
Murray Fredericks presented by Michael Reid: I love everything about this work and could literally spend an hour explaining all the reasons why. From the fire to the horizon line, to the specific colours and blend of gradient, to the reflection. I adore this.
Ben Mazey, Midas Platinum Sliced Ball Totem, 2026. Courtesy of the artist and C. Gallery.
Ben Mazey presented by C. Gallery: I love the concept and meaning of a totem. And the material and shapes appeal to all my senses. I also love vertical shapes because they speak to my love of symmetry.
Cybele Malinowski, DEEP FAKE: Run Elvis Run, Las Vegas, 2024. Courtesy of the artist.
Cybele Malinowski (Photo Sydney): I adore this work. I love its emotion, references, the horizon line, colours and sense of pace/urgency.
Installations to Seek Out
Dr Ken Thaiday Snr, Dr Grace Lillian Lee and Allan George Lee, Suggoo Pennise. Courtesy of the artists and CASSANDRA BIRD.
Dr Grace Lillian Lee, Dr Ken Thaiday Snr & Allan George Lee presented by CASSANDRA BIRD: Grace Lillian Lee is fashion meets art. She is an incredibly talented Australian ambassador. I have been supporting and following her career since the start.
Learn more about this installation here.
Alex Seton, A Person of Substance (Life Size), 2025. Courtesy of the artist and Sullivan+Strumpf.
Alex Seton presented by Sullivan+Strumpf: The whimsical Alex Seton makes me feel ironically so light, so I love the visual juxtaposition. Also, I admire galleries Sullivan & Strumpf so much, and revere everything they do! If their name is attached, I always want more information.
Learn more about this installation here.
Talks To Hear
New Platforms, New Possibilities: Art in the Digital Age
Noelle Faulkner | Host
Nikita Le Messurier | Speaker
Claire Evans | Speaker
Tom Sanders | Speaker
Sam Leach | Speaker
Then, Now, Next: 10 Years of Sydney Contemporary
Kym Elphinstone | Host
Dominic Feuchs | Speaker
Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran | Speaker
Suzanne Cotter | Speaker
Tim Etchells| Speaker
Both themes fascinate me and I want to hear more. With everything moving in multiple directions at once, I would like to hear from key leaders about their thoughts and feelings about the here and now, and the future.
Performance to Seek Out
Super excited by performance art and their costumes. This will be an entire sensory experience and I can’t wait.
Don’t Miss Artist Booth Talks
And I always want to hear from artists and discover their inspirations. To me, this is the most fascinating storytelling and anecdotes that leave me feeling inspired and asking questions. I love thought-provoking discussions that leave me craving more. I love being transported into their personal space and then keeping an eye on their evolution, and feeling like I have a personal understanding and insight. This is the type of creative connectivity I thrive from.
Learn more about Artist Booth Talks here.
Sydney Contemporary returns to Carriageworks from 3 – 6 September. Tickets are on sale now
