NICHOLAS THOMPSON INTERVIEWED IN BROADSHEET ON PICKS FOR THE MELBOURNE ART FAIR 2026
The Most Exciting Australian Artists Right Now, According to Top Gallerists
Every February, the city’s art scene goes up a gear. For close to 40 years, the Melbourne Art Fair has brought together the most exciting and sought-after artists across Australasia. This year, 60 of the country’s leading galleries, Indigenous-owned art centres and design studios join under one roof, offering a snapshot of who to watch right now.
There are at least 200 artists on show, so even the most seasoned visitors may struggle with where to start or focus their energy. We asked 11 gallerists, along with fair director Melissa Loughnan, who they’re most excited to see. Their recommendations provide an excellent game plan for the event. (We also asked them about the last piece they themselves bought at the fair.)
Nicholas Thompson, Nicholas Thompson Gallery
If you could highlight one artist you’re displaying at the fair, who would it be?
I will be taking a solo exhibition by Heidi Yardley to the Melbourne Art Fair this year. Melbourne-based Heidi Yardley constructs her paintings by disassembling and rearranging images from vintage media, psychological archives and esoteric traditions into haunting and fragmented compositions.
Whose work are you most excited to see at another gallery?
There are so many great artists and galleries exhibiting, but I am always drawn to the solo exhibitions and the galleries that take a risk by presenting the work of just one artist.
On my list this year are Simon Zoric presented by Lon Gallery; Lesley Dumbrell at Charles Nodrum Gallery; Julie Fragar at The Renshaws; Arthur (Jalyirri) Dixon at Niagara Galleries; Elizabeth Newman at Neon Parc; Elynor Smithwick at Sophie Gannon Gallery; Betty Muffler at Jan Murphy Gallery; and Alex Walker at Void.
What was your last purchase at the fair?
In all honesty, probably a sandwich, as days at the fair are long for the galleries.