Art Collector issue #117 (July–September 2026) is now available. This quarter we turn to Under 5K—our essential guide to the artists you might be surprised to learn have work available for less than AU$5,000, proof that collecting with intent has nothing to do with budget. Plus, our Art Fair Report and a personal portrait of the late John Nixon.

From the Magazine

Responding to his daily newsfeed with paint, Richard Lewer brings fifty-one new works to the Aotearoa Art Fair — a compendium of political flashpoints, personal memory and social observation distilled into an “over-stylised simplicity”.

Emma Buswell in her studio.

Emma Buswell transforms kitsch cultural moments like the Coles roast chicken bachelor’s handbags into labour-intensive textile works that probe power, mythology, and the absurdities of contemporary Australian life.

From her monumental self-portrait at the National Portrait Gallery to presentations at Tate Modern and Paris Photo, the South-Sudanese artist’s practice continues to assert new narratives of identity and belonging.

Sara Hughes has spent two decades transforming civic spaces. In her most recent show, she turns inward, mounting a generous inquiry into artistic inheritance and the women artists who continue to guide her vision.

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News

Louis Grant joins Sabbia Gallery

Featured in Art Collector's 2026 Undiscovered feature, the Ngunnawal Country/Canberra artist joins Sabbia Gallery.

MARS to Miami

The Naarm/Melbourne gallery has signed an agreement to launch MARS Miami — a pop-up model bringing Australian artists to audiences across North America.

Ai Weiwei to Create Major New Public Artwork for MCA

Ai Weiwei will unveil a major new public artwork on the Warrane/Sydney Harbour foreshore in September 2026.

Lucas Grogan’s Major Commission Unveiled at MONA’s Phrontisterion

Artist Lucas Grogan has unveiled a monumental commissioned work at Phrontisterion.

Monuments for Fishes: Mikala Dwyer unveils major floating artwork in Sydney Harbour

One of the largest floating and kinetic artworks in the world has been unveiled in Watermans Cove at Barangaroo South.

Canberra Artist Annette Blair Wins 2026 FUSE Glass Prize

Canberra Glassworks and JamFactory, South Australia, have announced the winner of the 2026 FUSE Glass Prize.

Telstra NATSIAA Opens as 2026 Judges are revealed

Telstra NATSIAA exhibition opens this week, giving collectors and visitors the chance to spend time with the finalist works in well ahead of the winners' announcement in August.

Sydney Contemporary reveals the line-up for its 10th edition

More than 100 exhibitors will present work by over 500 contemporary artists, joined by an expanded program marking ten years of the Fair.

George Gittoes donates work to Sydney Peace Foundation

Artist and filmmaker George Gittoes has gifted his new painting Angel of Peace to the Sydney Peace Foundation, marking the announcement of human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson as the 2026 Sydney Peace Prize Laureate.

AGNSW receives major gift from John and Caroline Laws collection

The collection includes four paintings by John Russell, two by Rupert Bunny and a Brett Whiteley drawing made at the couple's Oberon property.

Newcastle Art Gallery Opens Mordant Family Gift Exhibition Alongside New Shows by Brian Robinson and Tiyan Baker

The first public presentation of 25 works from the Mordant Family Gift anchors a new group of exhibitions at the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery.

Winners announced for 2026 Ravenswood Art Prize

Sydney-based artist Monica Rani Rudhar has won the 2026 Ravenswood Australian Women's Art Prize.

What’s On: Commercial Galleries

RIPE

June 27 – July 25, 2026

Fox Jensen Gallery

What’s On: Public and Regional Galleries

Art Collector Guides

South West Biennial 2026: Tracework. A Festival of Contemporary Art Celebrating Regional Western Australia. 21 March - 19 July 2026