The art world, in context
News and developments across Australia.
Image: ArtskA senior executive at the National Gallery of Victoria has been accused of stealing AUD 8 million over six years, allegedly reselling mobile phones at a profit. The case, investigated by IBAC, comes to court on October 20.
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Image: ArtskA landscape by Russell Drysdale that has been out of public view for more than 40 years will be offered at Leonard Joel's Fine Art auction in Melbourne on 6 October, the Antiques Trade Gazette reported on 18 September 2026.
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Image: ArtskSingulart interviewed pop artist Nessy, published September 18, on blending playfulness and strength to transform hardship into uplifting work.
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Image: ArtskSullivan+Strumpf, founded in 2005, has added South Sudanese Australian artist Atong Atem to its roster and continues a packed three-city programme with shows by Lara Merrett, Gregory Hodge and Irfan Hendrian.
Image: ArtskA Bill Henson exhibition opened at Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery in Sydney on 25 September and runs through 17 October.
Image: ArtskPeople · Australia
Sixteen Australian artists have received Creative Australia fellowships worth AUD 80,000 each over up to two years, recognising sustained creative achievement across disciplines.
Image: ArtskIn a 22 September 2026 market report, galleries at Carriageworks describe steady sales through hybrid physical-digital models: sold-out presentations for Kyle Montgomery and Pamela Pauline, and six-figure placements for Brett Weir (AUD$65,000), Andrew Sibley (AUD$110,000) and Natasha Walsh (AUD$77,000).
Image: ArtskSydney Contemporary's 10th edition welcomed a record 26,813 visitors to Carriageworks from 3–6 September, with more than 100 exhibitors presenting work by over 500 artists.
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Image: ArtskA 7 September 2026 on-the-ground report finds strong transaction velocity across ages 12 to 82: Velvet Room Gallery's Bridie O'Brien placed 21 original works, Lara Scolari's 'Kakapo Dreaming' sold for AUD$6,950, and the Melbourne Society of Women Painters & Sculptors made 35 placements.