The Other Art Fair Sydney opens tonight: these are the six artists to watch

From this Thursday, May 8, The Other Art Fair Sydney will pitch up at White Bay Cruise Terminal. These are the artists to look out for.

From Melbourne to London to Dallas, The Other Art Fair opens the elitist art industry up to the masses with Art Battles, tattooing, immersive installations, a ceramics edit (new for this year) and so much more. The Sydney edition of the Fair opens at White Bay Cruise Terminal today, Thursday, May 8.

There will be daily Art Battles, which will see artists compete in the ultimate showdown. Competitors will create the best work they can in just 20 minutes, as you walk around the easels watching their creative process unfold. The audience then votes for their favourite, who will make it into the next round.

Are you daring enough to take a chance on an artwork sight unseen? Pick up a wrapped artwork worth $200 at Blind Date with an Artwork, or take home something a little more permanent by one of three incredible hand-poke tattoo artists at the Fair. Alongside these interactive activities, 130 game-changing artists will be presenting their works, original and limited edition, which you can purchase there and then.

Each has been hand-picked by a selection committee of art world experts. Libby Knott, a member of the selection committee, has gone one step further and shared her top artists to watch at The Other Art Fair Sydney 2025.

Diane Henry

Diane is a Sydney-based artist who reimagines imagery and vintage photos with colourful, three-dimensional embroidery. “Diane’s work is whimsical, colourful and so well made. She chooses interesting and fun historical imagery then imbues the pictures with bright embroidery, beads and sparkles. Her works always sell quickly so it’s best to bee-line to her stand at the fair to ensure snapping up one of these wonderful artworks”.

Charles Herbert

Self-taught artist, Charles, has honed his craft over 30 years. His abstract, layered, ocean-inspired works are rich in texture and emotional depth. “For anyone who loves bold abstraction, colour and texture you can’t go past Charles. He is very dedicated to his practice and always presents a fantastic display of paintings,” says Libby.

Sasha Krautman

“Sasha’s artworks evoke a beautifully serene energy. Her pencil work is incredibly refined and the works feel deeply personal even though the subjects are unknown to the viewer. She hones in on such fine details in her subjects, and the works overall feel somewhat spiritual and timeless”. Drawing (literally) on moments of synchronicity and introspection, Sasha’s figurative works explore times when weird circumstances converge and cause unplanned events to unfold.

Yang Qiu

The Ceramics Edit is new for this year, and the work of prolific ceramicist and painter, Yang Qiu, will be among the pieces displayed in the edit. She is renowned for her unique approach, which involves transforming corn, avocado and mandarin into functional ceramic sculptures. Often adding faces and legs to her creations, her characterful fruits and vegetables are bound to draw in crowds. “Yang’s quirky sculptures are brilliant and make me smile!” says Libby. “I adore the humour in her work and could honestly dedicate an entire shelf in my home with a collection of legged bananas, pumpkin men and comical berries. They’re colourful, imaginative and fun—and skilfully made”.

Daphnée Varlik

Another ceramicist Libby recommends you look out for is Daphnée Varlick, who redefines vessels as minimalist objects of form and silhouette.”Elegant ceramic vessels are a bit of a thing for me. I’m a huge collector of vintage Italian Bitossi ceramics. Daphnée’s works have a strong presence and have a wonderful contemporary feel. I love the black ones in particular”.

Karen Brock

Working with a restricted palette, Karen’s paintings are incredibly atmospheric, depicting fleeting moments of suburban stillness in her nocturnal scenes. “Karen has a lovely painting technique, and her palette is always wonderfully calming. I enjoy her depictions of snippets of quiet urban scapes. They’re like moments of solo wanderings through neighbourhood streets.”

Mother’s Day Offer

Planning to bring the mother figure in your life to The Other Art Fair on Sunday? You’re in luck, as they can enter free on the day. Simply book two tickets for the 10am-2pm or 1pm-5pm slot on Sunday, May 11, to get your 2-for-1 offer.

Several artist mums will be showcasing their work. Look out for Queensland-based artist, Alice West, whose dreamy rainbow-coloured works have a nostalgic feel of childhood; Priya Gore presents her portrayals of Australian birds and wildlife, and Sarah Beetson’s In Bloom is a floral triptych she painted while pregnant with her son.

The Other Art Fair

Where: White Bay Cruise Terminal, James Craig Rd, Rozelle NSW 2039
When: Thursday, May 8 (5–10pm); Friday, May 9 (3–10pm); Saturday, May 10 (10am–6pm); Sunday, May 11 (10am–5pm).
Price: Thursday $35 advanced booking or $40 on-site. Friday-Sunday $22 advanced booking or $31 on-site.

For more information, visit theotherartfair.com/sydney

How to get to White Bay Cruise Terminal

By car: There are more than 400 free parking spots on-site. You can access White Bay Cruise Terminal via The Crescent / James Craig Road only. This route may be different than the one suggested by your GPS, so make sure you’ve checked before you head out. If you’re travelling by rideshare or taxi, there will be a drop-off point outside the venue for you to stop.

By public transport: The 441 and 442 buses run frequently from QVB, stopping a 15-minute walk away from the venue on Robert St near Victoria Rd. Alternatively, the Balmain East Wharf receives the F4 ferry route from Pyrmont to Circular Quay and has a bus stop on Darling Street where you can catch the 442 to Robert St.