Sydney is many things – beautiful, ever-changing – but for artist Ramesh, it’s the layers of culture and community that make it truly special. In this conversation, he shares his take on what makes the city such a rich place to experience art, food, and everyday magic. From Western Sydney’s creative energy to the small restaurants and hidden public artworks that stay with you, Ramesh shows us a version of Sydney that’s personal, textured, and full of life. Ramesh is represented by Sullivan+Strumpf.
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What makes Sydney stand out as a cultural destination?
Sydney is layered, chaotic, and physically amazing. But what makes it stand out is the way multiculturalism has enriched our cultural life. There’s a resistance to a singular narrative. The meaningful integration of migrant and First Nations art, culture, and cuisine makes it an incredible place to experience, even in short bursts. In terms of art, food, and culture, there’s the polished, institutionally-driven metropolitan scene. But there’s also a wildly energetic current that flows through Western Sydney, where I grew up. I can’t wait to see how Powerhouse Parramatta takes shape, Parramatta was my stomping ground as a teenager.
After a day of exploring Sydney Contemporary, where would you go for dinner and drinks to continue the evening?
Sydney is gastronomically privileged. After a sensory overload at the fair, I’d decompress somewhere that feels generous, romantic, and unfussy. If you want to stay in Redfern, I’d head to Flyover Fritterie, Bush, or Fontana. If you venture nearby into Surry Hills or the CBD, Ace Hotel, Pellegrino 2000, or Porkfat usually get me going. That said, I love a homestyle eatery! Close by, Ho Jiak, Malacca Straits, Medan Ciak, and Caysorn Thai are some of my favourites. Cantina OK! is also a great vibe for cocktails, some of their drinks feel like storied artworks.
Images: Left: Pellegrino 2000, Image source: Broadsheet. Right: Ho Jiak, Image source Ho Jiak.
What cultural events or exhibitions coincide with Sydney Contemporary that you recommend?
Many galleries, museums, and multi-arts centres roll out engaging programs during this period. They take advantage of the critical mass of people from all over who descend on the city. Definitely check out the major museums, but also head to venues like Artspace, Sydney, to get a sense of contemporary art in a non-commercial or collecting context. The Sydney Contemporary program itself is pretty fab. I’d recommend their tours of artists’ studios, these are the spaces where art is dreamed and made into reality. You’ll get to see the heart, the joy, the mess, the agony of process. It’ll make art feel human.
Image: Artspace, Image source MGNSW
If you have friends visiting from outside of town, what are you adding to their itinerary?
I make them leave the CBD and experience culture through food and art. Get on a train and head to Harris Park! Or head to Chef Ceylon, my favourite Sri Lankan restaurant in Toongabbie. Consider making a trip to Western Sydney galleries like Campbelltown Arts Centre or the Liverpool Powerhouse. That said, there are some amazing fashion offerings in town too. The Song for the Mute flagship store will probably send me broke.
Image: Campbelltown Arts Centre. Image source MGNSW
Do you have a favourite public art installation or mural in the city? What makes it special?
Yeah, Nell’s treehouse in Redfern sticks with me. It’s this curious, elevated structure nestled into the city like it grew there overnight from forged leaves. There’s something punk, playful, and slightly mystical about it. It doesn’t announce itself loudly. It’s not trying to dominate, but once you see it, you can’t unsee this portal or threshold. What I love about Nell’s work, there and more broadly, is how she creates space for joy, grief, humour, and spirit all at once. It reminds me that public art doesn’t have to be monumental to be powerful. It just has to shift your perspective, even for a moment.
Image: Nell’s treehouse, Redfern
Ramesh will present new work at Sydney Contemporary 2025 with Sullivan+Strumpf. Tickets to Sydney Contemporary are on sale now.
Cover image by Bowen Aricò.
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