The White Rabbit Gallery in Sydney’s buzzing inner West was opened in 2009 to showcase what has become one of the world’s most significant collections of Chinese contemporary art. Dedicated to works made in the 21st century, the White Rabbit Collection is owned by Judith Neilson, who was inspired to establish it after her first trips to Beijing in the late 1990s.
The gallery building, a Rolls-Royce service depot in the 1940s, was completely refitted as an exhibition space by architect William Smart. Since the Gallery can house only a fraction of the collection at any one time, there are two new exhibitions a year, each involving a full rehang. The White Rabbit Collection now includes almost 3000 works by almost 750 artists and continues to expand.
Currently on exhibition is Big in China (08.12.2021 – 22.05.2022), curated by David Williams.
Making it big in an Eastern country used to be a second choice for Western rockstars. Despite its multitude, the Chinese opinion was once considered inferior to established Western tastes. Yet China’s fast-paced transformation has turned the nation into a global powerhouse. These days companies, brands, and even nations from around the world all scramble to win the favour of Chinese consumers.
What does it mean to make it Big in China? It is no easy feat to captivate the attention of over a billion wandering eyes and minds. How do we draw the focus of so many unique individuals and make them move in unison? Artist Xu Zhen® shows us how it’s done by transforming into a kind of snake-charmer — mesmerising viewers with his colossal, dancing, twisting Corinthian column. Tang Nannan submerges us with mountainous waves until we become, as the Zen saying goes, simply one drop in an endless ocean. Lin Yan humbles and unites us as mortals under her vast, textural sky. These artists show us that it is not simply brute force that drives a nation and its people. Rather, it is the grand and overarching narratives, outstanding creativity and unique art practices that have the power to move a population en masse.
Opening Hours during exhibition periods
Gallery: Wednesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm
Teahouse: Wednesday – Sunday, Dumplings until 3.30pm
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Presenting The White Rabbit Gallery on IC for the first time, in this Online Exhibition, we feature artwork and installation images all from Big in China.
All above images courtesy of the Artist and the White Rabbit Gallery.
All above images courtesy of the White Rabbit Gallery.
The White Rabbit Gallery is featured in the BMW Art Guide by Independent Collectors.
