MELBOURNE — Julie Fragar’s fresh series captures the buzz of Australia’s art scene. The recent Archibald Prize winner displays One and the Many through The Renshaws gallery. Her paintings pull in young faces from Brisbane’s creative crowd. They probe collective dynamics against individualism. One canvas, A Collection of Strong Opinions, nails that tension.

“There’s definitely been more attention on the work and I think it’s given me a real boost,” Fragar said. “It’s put a lot of fire in the practice.”

The fair drew $14 million in sales during 2025. Organizers pared back the lineup this year. Neon Parc celebrates 20 years at the event, which launched with about 100 exhibitors in 2006. Now, roughly 60 galleries and Indigenous art centres fill the space.

Geoff Newton of Neon Parc presents abstractionist Elizabeth Newman’s work. It’s both an introduction for newcomers and a tribute after her recent death. “She’s a very special person in the history of Australian art,” Newton said. The booth took shape months before Newman passed. Newton pushed forward despite the grief.

Justin Miller Art spotlights late icons Brett Whiteley and Sidney Nolan. Nolan’s seldom-seen Lovers, Luna Park headlines the stand.

A new highlight: the FUTUREOBJEKT section for high-end design. Volker Haug Studio from Melbourne reveals blown glass lights crafted in Murano, Italy. Founder Volker Haug embraces the spotlight. “Many people’s designs are very artistic, and I would say ours is that as well,” he said. “In the end, you are an artist. You’re mostly a designer, but you’re also really, truly an artist by heart.”

Debutants test the waters too. Auckland’s Grace gallery joins alongside S_y_d_n_e_y_S_y_d_n_e_y_ and PALAS. PALAS launched in 2024 under Tania Doropoulos and Matt Glenn. It reps just seven artists. Shaun Gladwell’s series, shot by scaling public sculptures, draws eyes. Doropoulos eyes the horizon. “We’re not subject to short-term market fluctuations or buying trends or collector interests,” she said, “because what we’re doing is quite antithetical to that.”

Mary Cherry Contemporary steps up with feminist photography and Ruth O’Leary’s paintings. Founder Helen Newton-Brown feels ready. “I feel I’ve established a really good stable of artists and it’s time to bring it to the collectors,” she said.

The fair runs through the weekend. It remains a powerhouse for contemporary art sales Down Under, even as the market shifts.