Managerie Group Art Show - Newtown, Sydney
In October 2025 I had the pleasure of exhibiting in Menagerie, a dynamic group show presented by GAS at the Studio 551 Gallery in Newtown.
Menagerie brought together a diverse lineup of talented artists, each contributing distinct voices and visual languages. The energy in the gallery throughout the opening night was electric, a full room of engaged viewers moving between works, conversations unfolding organically, and a genuine sense of creative community. Events like this are a reminder that art is as much about shared experience as it is about individual practice.
The evening extended beyond the walls of the exhibition itself. Guests enjoyed live music performances that added rhythm and atmosphere to the space, alongside food and drinks that encouraged people to linger, connect and reflect. It felt celebratory without losing its focus, a well-balanced environment where the work remained central, yet the broader cultural experience elevated the night.
A particular highlight for me was the sale of one of my works to an international German collector, who had arranged in advance to collect the piece at the opening. There’s something deeply rewarding about meeting the person who will live with your artwork, hearing what drew them to it, understanding how it resonated across cultures and distance. To see a painting move directly from the gallery wall into the hands of someone genuinely excited to give it a home is always a meaningful moment.
Exhibiting in a gallery environment continues to be an important part of my practice as Van Dahl. The physicality of the space, the considered lighting, the dialogue between works, the collective momentum of a curated show, provides context that deepens the viewing experience. At the same time, the opportunity to connect directly with collectors and audiences reinforces why I make the work in the first place.
Menagerie was a strong example of what makes the Sydney art scene vibrant: collaboration, openness and a willingness to celebrate creativity in all its forms. I’m grateful to the gallery, the fellow artists and everyone who attended for making it such a memorable and rewarding exhibition.
Photography courtesy of Andreas Puffert
