NotFair, the art fair unlike any other, is back to celebrate its 10th iteration presenting the new and fresh work of artists deemed under-represented and worthy of significant attention. And this year, in keeping with NotFair’s practice of exhibiting exciting artwork in interesting and unexpected locations, it will be held in the Kardinia Church, Windsor, a former community hall and place of worship, 20-30 May 2021.
The NotFair founders and curators, artists Sam Leach, Tony Lloyd and arts writer Ashley Crawford, describe NotFair 2021 as “a leap of faith”. “It’s not just the venue, it’s a leap of faith because of the challenges wreaked by COVID-19, which meant we had to abandon last year because of lockdown. We are in a time when many artists have grown understandably obsessed with the issues of pandemic, climate change and the very fate of Planet Earth.
“In 2021 we are making up for lost time in a big way. NotFair remains a stubborn celebration of creativity, imagination and skill in the face of adversity,” says Leach. NotFair 2021 will showcase the works of 32 artists exhibited in a venue which is architecturally and culturally fascinating in its own right. The artists featured are Hayley Arjona, Simon Attwooll, Christian Bishop, Jeremy Blincoe, James Bonnici, Joshua Bonson, Nic Burridge, Michael Carney, Angela Casey, Ash Coates, Amber Cronin, Farnaz Dadfar, Moya Delany, Liss Fenwick, Amelda Read Forsythe, Alicia King, Eloise Kirk, Shea Kirk, Nic Macalari, Amina McConvell, Yuria Okamura, Laetitia Olivier-Gargano, Jack Rowland, Erik Sherman, Liz Sonntag aka Tinky, Ben Taranto, Terry Taylor, Julie Vinci, Jason Waterhouse, Katie West, Jennifer Whitten, and Chee Yong.
“We have an incredible selection of artists and a really interesting space to work with so we really want to push the envelope with our installation and exhibition design. The artworks will interact and complement the spaces, giving the viewing public a new perspective.
“NotFair 2021 offers audiences an extraordinary artistic experience and gives the artists an opportunity to reconnect with viewers in the real world. In a normal Artfair the objective is primarily sales and these are usually driven by galleries. At NotFair we present artists directly to the public without gallery booths or stands, and the exhibition is curated and designed to work as a coherent artistic experience. We aim to give an overview of each artist’s practice and the exhibition is carefully considered to show each artist’s work in the best context for it,” says Lloyd.
Since its inception in 2010 as an independent alternative to the Melbourne Art Fair, NotFair has exhibited hundreds of artists and helped launch many an exciting career. “As an arts organization, NotFair embraces diversity. We continue to support, unearth and empower artists, all different, all equal.
“They could be emerging, mid-career or well-established artists who might be unknown or already quite successful, the main thing is that we think that more people should know about their work. The curatorial process of NotFair means that we are able to present to the public artists we believe have the potential for long and successful careers, and whose work is usually worth far more than the current prices.
“Many artists have secured gallery representation as a direct result of showing in NotFair, something which is increasingly difficult for new artists. We are always incredibly proud when we see NotFair alumni achieving great results,” says Crawford.
For more visit: notfair.com.au
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