COMO to open new gallery space in Marrickville

COMO will open an new Marrickville gallery in 2025.
The opening exhibition will be from Australian-born contemporary artist Justin Williams.
The space will be located in the heart of Marrickville in a warehouse on Chapel Street.

A new art gallery is coming to Marickville – the team at COMA will launch the new warehouse art venue on January 31, 2025 with a solo exhibition of new works by New Mexico-based Australian artist, Justin Williams.

The space is inspired by the major warehouse-style galleries of Los Angeles. The 490-square-metre space is located on Chapel Street and has been transformed into a contemporary gallery, featuring an expansive exhibition space, private viewing rooms, on-site storage, and merchandise space.

The gallery will open with Waiting for Lavender, a solo exhibition featuring new major works by Australian-born contemporary artist Justin Williams. Known for his striking figurative, large-scale canvas artworks, Williams draws inspiration from his Egyptian heritage and his upbringing in a small town at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, interweaving elements of myth and folklore into his work.

Exploring communities on the fringes of society, William’s paintings delve into his family history in pre-World War II Alexandria, Egypt. Waiting for Lavender will portray themes of migration and belonging, reflecting on the universal longing to settle and find a place to call home.

Founder and Director Sotiris Sotiriou said, “COMA is dedicated to reshaping how international museums, galleries, and collectors view Australian artists, and ensuring Australian art receives the global recognition it deserves. We strive to showcase and introduce renowned international artists to the Australian market but also to connect them with local collectors.

This new gallery space allows us to deepen our commitment to showcasing significant contemporary art and enrich the cultural landscape for audiences in Sydney. We’re thrilled to inaugurate the space with a solo exhibition by Justin Williams – a fitting moment for an Australian artist who has captivated audiences overseas. Having worked with Justin for many years, we have successfully raised awareness of his art internationally, and I am eager to continue elevating his profile here at home.”