Inside The Other Art Fair Melbourne

The Other Art Fair in Melbourne has long been on my radar as a unique opportunity to explore independent art, connect with emerging artists and experience a diverse range of creative expressions. After a break I was excited to see that this year, The Other Art Fair was back. I was particularly interested in seeing how different artists presented their work and observing how the fair was set up. The event, held at The Timber Yard, promised an immersive experience. It brought together contemporary artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts in an engaging environment.

The Fair was held at The Timber Yards, Plummer Street, Port Melbourne from Thursday 30th January to Sunday 2nd February.  Stepping into the fair, I was immediately struck by the contrast between the sweltering heat outside and the cool, inviting atmosphere inside the venue. The space was thoughtfully arranged, allowing visitors to move seamlessly between exhibits and interact with artists at their stands. Each booth showcased distinct artistic styles, from bold, expressive paintings to intricate sculptures and digital creations.

Beyond admiring the artworks, I was eager to speak with artists about their inspirations, techniques and experiences. I had the chance to chat with Tanya Ogilvie-White, Leanne Daquino, Sebnem Gencer and The Space Cowboy, each of whom offered a fascinating insight into their creative worlds. Their passion for their craft was infectious and I looked forward to delving deeper into these conversations throughout the fair.

The Venue and Atmosphere

The Timber Yard provided an ideal setting for The Other Art Fair. It offered a spacious yet intimate environment where creativity could thrive. The venue’s industrial aesthetic, with its high ceilings and exposed timber beams, created a raw and edgy atmosphere. The ambiance complemented the contemporary artworks on display. The fair was well-organized, with booths arranged to allow easy navigation while still maintaining a sense of discovery.

A diverse range of artworks filled the space, ensuring there was something for every taste and artistic preference. From striking paintings to intricate sculptures, digital art, and even live tattooing, the fair celebrated artistic expression in many forms. Visitors could explore traditional canvas works alongside interactive installations and innovative printmaking. One standout feature was the community art piece, which added a fun element to the fair. This was where attendees were encouraged to participate by adding their own colors to a large-scale collaborative artwork, reinforcing the fair’s inclusive and engaging spirit.

The overall energy of the event was lively yet relaxed. A DJ played music in the outdoor area, setting a vibrant tone for the experience. There was a Rave Cave for those looking for an immersive digital art experience, as well as a print bar, a framing area, and screenings of Garmonbozia! for film lovers. The bar and food options provided a space to unwind, while numerous photo opportunities encouraged visitors to capture their experience. Despite the extreme heat outside, a surprising number of people attended, eager to explore and connect. The artists themselves were incredibly approachable, happy to share their stories and inspirations. With such a welcoming atmosphere, it was easy to lose track of time while immersed in the art. Conveniently, I found parking right next door, making my visit even smoother.

Conversations with the Artists

One of the highlights of The Other Art Fair was the opportunity to speak with the artists themselves, gaining insight into their creative processes and inspirations.

Tanya Ogilvie-White’s work immediately caught my attention for its ethereal quality. The delicate layering and soft, almost dreamlike imagery had me wondering about her techniques. I soon learned that she uses an encaustic process, working with hot wax and resin to build up layers of clear and colored beeswax. Her subject matter, primarily wildlife and nature, is rendered in a way that feels both contemporary and timeless. As an academic, Tanya spoke thoughtfully about her work, explaining how the encaustic method not only creates a beautiful effect but also ensures the archival longevity of each piece. You can see more of Tanya’s work at Scorching Skies Art.

Leanne Daquino’s booth stood out with its vibrant and expressive floral abstract works. She primarily works with gel plate printing and collage, resulting in richly layered and textured compositions. Leanne mentioned that she had a successful fair, and it was easy to see why—her double booth space allowed her to showcase her pieces beautifully, drawing in visitors with their bold yet organic energy. Check out Leanne’s work at Leanne Daquino Art.

Sebnem Gencer’s art was so intricate that I found myself in awe of the time and precision required to complete each piece. She told me about her studio on Cecil Street in South Melbourne, which is open for visits—though booking an appointment would be advisable. Originally from Turkey, Sebnem now calls Australia home, and her work reflects a blend of cultural influences with meticulous craftsmanship. You can discover Sebnem’s work at Sebnem Gencer Art.

Finally, The Space Cowboy brought a dynamic presence to the fair. A performer as well as an artist, he engaged visitors with secret animations hidden within his artworks. His work and performances share a common message: pushing boundaries and challenging the norm. His enthusiasm was infectious, making him one of the most memorable exhibitors. Visit The Space Cowboy Gallery here.

List of Artists

These are just four of the exhibitors, as you can imagine there were many more talented and interesting artists.  Here is a list of the artists:

Finally

Attending The Other Art Fair was an inspiring and enriching experience. The combination of a welcoming atmosphere, diverse artistic styles, and direct engagement with the artists made it a memorable event. Unlike other fairs, such as the Melbourne Art Fair, which felt more exclusive and gallery-driven, The Other Art Fair offered a more personal and accessible approach. The opportunity to speak directly with artists, hear about their processes, and understand their motivations added an extra layer of appreciation to the artwork on display.

Having attended The Other Art Fair a few years ago when it was held at the Exhibition Buildings, I found this year’s event at The Timber Yard to be just as engaging—if not more so. The relaxed atmosphere, interactive installations, and the variety of work on show created an enjoyable and immersive experience. The presence of DJs, food options, and interactive art areas also made it more than just an exhibition; it was a place to linger, explore, and be inspired.

I would certainly recommend The Other Art Fair to anyone interested in contemporary and emerging artists. Whether you’re an avid collector or simply curious about the art world, this fair offers something for everyone. The chance to buy directly from artists, rather than through galleries, makes the work more accessible and allows visitors to support independent creatives. The Other Art Fair Melbourne