White Rabbit Gallery

The White Rabbit Gallery, 30 Balfour St, Chippendale exhibits Chinese and Taiwanese art.

Judith Neilson  opened this gallery so the public can see, enjoy and appreciate contemporary Asian art.  She started collecting it after a trip to Beijing in 2001 and opened the White Rabbit in 2009.  Only part of the collection can be seen at any one time so there is a new show twice a year.  The current show finishes soon and a new one is up in early March. None of the artwork is for sale and it is free for the public to see.

Ross and I have been to this gallery 3 or 4 times and each time we come away very impressed.  Only a small percentage of the art is framed on the wall, most are installations, sculptures or video.  It certainly nods to Chinese culture, politics and history.  It is multilayered but accessible to all.  What I love about so many pieces is the humour. The works are so often amusing and I assume this says as much about contemporary Chinese and Taiwanese artists as it does about the collector Judith Neilson.

Chocolate Shop with a difference

There are many pieces in the current show that appear to be one thing but on close inspection are something different.  For example, Gao Rong’s recreation of her old homes’ entrance with sewer pipe, fuse box and door all looking very authentic until look closer to see they are made of fabric and the scuff marks and rust are embroidered.  We also enjoyed the installation of what appeared to be a chocolate shop in which all the confectionery are chocolate arms dealers inventory.

The gallery is a bright and airy space with helpful staff who are pleased to answer any question and provide supplementary information.  We met Judith’s sister, Phil who was so generous with her time and knowledge (more about that next post).  The gallery also has a delightful shop and café.

White Rabbit Gallery is fantastic and everyone should have a look, you will enjoy it