Serious FUN Group Art Show - Newtown, Sydney
In late April 2025, I had the privilege of exhibiting in Serious Fun, a group exhibition presented by GAS ART SYD in Newtown.
The exhibition explored the idea that art can hold contradiction — playful and thoughtful, lighthearted yet deeply considered. It was a fitting environment to bring together a diverse range of contemporary artists, each with distinct perspectives and practices.
For me personally, Serious Fun marked an important milestone: my first group art exhibition in Sydney since beginning my journey as an artist. Being invited to participate felt both exciting and affirming. The transition into exhibiting publicly is a vulnerable step for any artist, and to do so alongside such talented creatives made the experience even more meaningful.
The opening night was full of energy. Visitors moved through the gallery engaging with the works, conversations unfolded naturally between artists and attendees, and the atmosphere carried the excitement that comes when people gather around creativity. Live music performances added another dimension to the evening, while food and drinks encouraged people to stay, connect and immerse themselves in the experience.
What stood out most was the sense of community. Exhibiting can often seem focused on individual works, but events like this remind me that the art world is built on relationships between artists, audiences, curators and collectors. Sharing space with other emerging and established creatives was inspiring and reinforced the importance of continuing to show work publicly.
Looking back, Serious Fun now feels like the beginning of something bigger. The first exhibition is always significant, not because it defines the journey, but because it represents a willingness to step forward, share your perspective and invite others into your world.
I’m grateful to the team at GAS ART SYD, the fellow exhibiting artists and everyone who attended for making my first Sydney group exhibition such a memorable experience. It was an exciting start, and one that gave me even more motivation to continue building my practice as Van Dahl.
