Internationally renowned Gympie-based visual artist Cathy Condon has been invited as the only Australian to exhibit at Art Fair 14C in Jersey City, USA from 11 – 13 November.
Cathy said Art Fair 14C was a non-profit event, dedicated to increasing opportunities for artists expanding public access to fine art and strengthening careers in the visual arts activating under-recognised arts areas.
“I lived in New York for two years, prior to Covid-19 and I know that the exposure to some of the contemporary artists there will help me to continue to expand my thinking,“ Cathy said.
“New York City and Jersey City art scenes have many opportunities for visual artists to engage with other artists, gallery owners and museum professionals, and collectors to explore possibilities and discover strategies for looking at and making art in new and inspiring ways.
“The global reach from participating at an art fair of this quality cannot be underestimated as the event supports careers in the visual arts through promotion, creating connections, exhibitions, residency programs, road trips and partnerships.
“Participating at Art Fair 14 C provides me with many opportunities to develop audiences and broaden my engagement with the Jersey City and New York arts community along with that the international arts community.“
In 2018, Cathy was awarded an artist in residency at the Eileen Kaminsky Family Foundation at Mana Contemporary, in Jersey City and as a result, her profile was raised significantly within the arts community.
“I was in the process of establishing a professional practice with exhibitions at Mana Contemporary in Jersey City, Brooklyn and Manhattan, however, I was forced to return to Australia in early 2020, when Covid hit New York,“ Cathy said.
“My invitation to participate in Art Fair 14C is due to the contacts and reputation I developed while growing my art practice in NYC from 2018 – 2020.
“Since returning home to Gympie, I have been fortunate to have some amazing opportunities come my way.
“I have resumed working with some artists like Danny Bickmore and re-established Cathy Condon Gallery. I was also offered a three month residency at the amazing new art bar space in Mary St at QUBE226, where I painted a walk in installation.
“I also exhibited at Gympie Regional Gallery and my work Gilded Age Returns has toured throughout Queensland with Flying Arts.
“It is really exciting to return to my other hometown in the US and resume my practice amongst these amazing artists and galleries.
“I am sure Art Fair will be an incredible experience and I will have some exciting new works and some original works which are still in storage in NYC.“
