The Other Art Fair is returning from January 30 to February 2 at The Timber Yard, Port Melbourne.
This year's edition of the fair will bring together over 100 emerging and independent artists, interactive installations and unforgettable experiences.
Proud Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung and Yorta-Yorta artist Simone Thomson, whose work will feature at the 2025 event, is a Naarm-based multidisciplinary artist and maker.
With an artistic practice that stems from deep spiritual connection to her culture and Country, Thomson is looking forward to participating in the fair and portraying her passion for Aboriginal storytelling.
"I draw inspiration for my art and dreaming stories from the diverse textural palette of Country, and the ancestral bonds I have to Birrarung and Dhungala, known as the Yarra and Murray Rivers. As I am of two river clans, waterways have a pronounced presence in most of my works, along with the Corhanwarbul, known as the Dandenong Ranges," she said.
"I have produced some significant public art installation projects including urban landscape design, in-building design, murals, sculptures, weaving, landscaped gathering circles, and other prominent commissions across Melbourne. My contemporary creations incorporate traditional motifs and stories and are interwoven to other products including fashion, textiles, wallpaper, lighting, signage, sporting goods, uniforms, carpet and more."
With the 2025 fair marking the first time Thomson will participate in the event, the talented artist says she is looking forward to showcasing her work and supporting a fair representation of all our local art styles across the country.
"This will be the first time I will be exhibiting at The Other Art Fair, and I am looking forward to showcasing some of my works. I believe it will be a great opportunity to display artwork from a local Victorian First Nations artist, to ensure a fair representation of all our local art styles across the country as we are so diverse," she said.
"I was approached by the organisers who were keen to have me participate, and I was very happy to accept.
"Those attending can expect to see some of my favourite pieces and beautifully framed lustre canvas prints. My works are quite vibrant and textural, as I enjoy trying to emulate what I feel in my hands or under my feet on Country – except for bindi-eyes! Everything I produce has a bit of depth and dimension and I really enjoy that creative process."
Aside from participating in The Other Art Fair, Thomson shares that she is quite busy at the moment with more than one project in the works.
"At the moment, I am quite involved in several public art projects that will be installed in the first part of the new year. I absolutely love challenging myself and evolving as a creator and artist, it drives me to produce new and authentic works that speak to land knowledge and dreaming stories passed down. I have also just released a new collection of wearable art and fashion called 'Nugal Biik, Belongs to Country', on my online store which I am also loving," she said.
"The pieces draw on my experience as an artist, designer and former model and speaks to a love of the land and water which represents an interconnectedness that has always been here. Not all the pieces have been released yet, but I am thoroughly enjoying the interpretation of my artwork onto silks and soft silk blends and applying my stories in new ways. Once you start to allow yourself to dream, the best bit is when you allow it to all come true."
Presented by leading online art gallery Saatchi Art, The Other Art Fair aims to support various artists across numerous niche artistic realms. The fair provides an ideal platform for Melbourne-based artists to showcase their talents, ideas, and deep connections to the city's rich artistic heritage.
The latest edition of The Other Art Fair in Australia also mark a major milestone—the 100th global edition of the fair—a remarkable achievement that highlights its growing impact on the international art scene.
Fair director Luke Potkin, said that the fair has a mission of making art truly accessible to everyone
"We're thrilled to be returning to Melbourne. As the city continues to evolve as a cultural powerhouse known for its passion, innovation, and deep ties to the arts, The Other Art Fair is at the forefront of making art truly accessible to everyone," he said.
"We can't wait to see how the community will engage with the diverse talent as it returns to Melbourne in full swing, ready to ignite the city's art scene with fresh energy and creativity."
Featuring a curated selection of independent artists from Melbourne and beyond, the fair offers an exciting mix of artistic practices including painting, sculpture, photography, installation, and digital art, not to mention an array of engaging activities including immersive installations, performances, tattooing and DJs.
The Other Art Fair Melbourne will take place from January 30th to February 2nd 2025. Tickets are available for purchase online.
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