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.

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From the Magazine

The Generous Eye: Ian Bernadt

Perth physician and philanthropist Ian Bernadt has been collecting art for more than sixty years, from Japanese prints picked up as a child in Cape Town to major works by Australia’s greatest painters. He talks about the ones that got away, the joy of giving, and how the best painting in the show is rarely the most expensive.

Breaking News: Richard Lewer

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.

Cool Hunter: Emma Buswell

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.

Curator’s Radar: Atong Atem

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.

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PODCAST

Lauretta Morton on Reimagining Newcastle Art Gallery

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News

2026 Telstra Art Award as NATSIAA Winners Announced

The $100,000 Telstra Art Award goes to Marri Ngarr artist Ryan Presley, leading a slate of six category winners at the 2026 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards in Darwin.

Low Kee Hong Named Artistic Director of the 2028 Biennale of Sydney

Current Creative Director of Manchester's Factory International, will lead the 26th edition of the Biennale, opening in March 2028.

50 Finalists Announced for the 2026 Bowness Photography Prize

The Museum of Australian Photography has revealed the shortlist for the 21st William & Winifred Bowness Photography Prize.

MONA Is Heading to Bangkok

The subversive Tasmanian museum that rewrote the rulebook is crossing the equator.

A new partnership between Art Collector and Hyde Hotels

A new partnership places Art Collector inside Ennismore's design-led hotels in Naarm/Melbourne and Boorloo/Perth.

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.
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