10 exhibitions to see in Sydney this spring

There’s plenty to see at Sydney’s art galleries and museums this season, including surreal paintings, colorful ceramics with a political message, digital artwork that reimagines the post-colonial museum and breathtaking photography of nocturnal animals in the bush.

Belgian artist René Magritte made pioneering contributions to surrealism from the 1920s to the 60s. His most famous works are: Listening room (1952) and Lovers (1928) – More than 100 of his paintings, sculptures and sketches are currently on display in a major survey. It is organized chronologically, and you can see the artist’s subversive sense of humor and recurring motifs, such as the man in the bowler hat, developing over the decades.
Until February 9, 2025

Sydney artist Glenn Barclay presents a new collection of whimsical, vibrant and colorful ceramics in his latest solo exhibition. At first glance they may seem cheerful, but look closely and you’ll see messages like “double haters” and “anglosphere mind virus.” Barkley’s distinctive works are vessels for incisive commentary on modern society rather than practical objects. His exhibition runs in parallel with a solo exhibition by artist Lara Merrett.
From November 14 to December 14.

British artist Sir Isaac Julien reflects on the relationship between an art collector and a philosopher-slash-culture leader in a poetic black-and-white film shown on five big screens at the MCA. He chose Andre Holland (Moonlight) and Danny Huston (Continuity) in a history that explores black modernism, social constructs, and cultural heritage. It is a reflection on African objects held in Western art museums and a timely statement about the provenance of all objects owned by institutions around the world.
Until February 16, 2025

Artist Kamilaroi currently has a huge survey exhibition in Melbourne. Reflection: The Art of Reco Rennie at the Ian Potter Centre. But in Sydney we’ll see a new side of him at a cozy exhibition in Surry Hills. Rennie painted eight new canvases that reclaim the term “bright black” by depicting faceless figures wearing or standing next to luxury items such as Rolex watches and sports cars. Some of the faceless figures have Rennie’s signature diamond pattern, and all provide an opportunity for other Indigenous people to see themselves in the photograph.
Until November 9.

The humble earthworm is the star of a painting by Canadian artist Tamara Henderson. Slug in a mug. This is the artist’s first solo exhibition in an Australian public institution. Henderson centers the human experience by focusing on the industrious earthworm in glass and ceramic sculptures, sound installations, paintings, textiles and 16mm film.
Until January 5, 2025

Now in its 62nd year, the annual art prize and exhibition explores the supernatural, divine and spiritual. The award was received by such famous artists as Justin Williams, Robert Fielding and Angela Tiatia. This year’s finalists included Black Douglas, Abdul-Rahman Abdullah, Gillian Kayrouz and Shivanjani Lal.
Until December 6th.

4A.I.: Elsewhere in India is an action-adventure video game about recovering items stolen from around the world that are now being held in government facilities. The hybrid digital-physical artwork reimagines the post-colonial Indo-futurism virtual museum. Created by two artists at the forefront of India’s electronic music and media art scene, this alternative narrative combines technology with traditional Indian iconography.
Until December 15th.

Bringing together the work of two artists, Yaritji Young and Sylvia Kehn, this exhibition celebrates life, culture and the Australian wilderness. Young and Ken are from Tjala Arts, a historic arts center in Amata, South Australia, near the Northern Territory border. They belong to a long line of Aboriginal artists. Their colors and motifs are unique to each artist, but when presented together they reveal a shared history, history and connection to country.
Until November 9.

Nicole Welch’s stunning photographs of nocturnal animals were captured using the latest infrared cameras in the Wiradjuri village of Bathurst. The artist explores the illusionary and surreal aspects of photography, seeking a voyeuristic perspective, depicting eerie, ghostly figures of foxes, a herd of deer and a herd of opossums.
Until November 16th.

Consuelo Cavanilla takes over the Chau Chak Wing Museum with tonal plexiglass and glass, inviting viewers to see the world differently. By altering color, light, and perception, Cavanilla reimagines the museum’s architecture and highlights two female artists from the collection, Lily Greenham and Marta Boto.
Until March 23, 2025

Additional reporting by Emma Joyce.