Cowaramup artist Callum Fairnie showcases regional works at New York’s 3RD Ethos Gallery

Cowaramup artist and gallery owner Callum Fairnie has just returned from a whirlwind trip to New York showcasing some of the region’s up-and-coming creatives.

The artistic coup came as a result of the Fugazi Gallery owner’s long-standing ties to the US as well as contacts in the thriving Big Apple arts scene.

The visit late last month involved Fairnie setting up in Brooklyn’s 3RD Ethos Gallery with a showing of works co-curated by the gallery’s Connie Byun.

“Bushwick (in Brooklyn) has a nostalgic pull on me for what most of New York used to be like: raw, cutting edge, and having plenty of do-it-yourself entrepreneurial spirit/hustle,” he said.

The exhibition featured artists from the Cowaramup and Margaret River scene associated with Fugazi Gallery and also included select talented high school artists, Fairnie said.

Fairnie told the Times he was engrossed and inspired by the New York arts and music scene from the 1970s to 1990s which influenced his work as well as his outlook as a gallery owner.

“This has influenced how I work with the younger, rawer artists here, who also have that DIY entrepreneurial spirit,” he said.

“Connie selected several established New York street artists to fit in with the exhibition theme R3NDEZVOUS, which (she billed as) an ‘extraordinary exhibition of creative encounters and connections, a collaborative showcase bringing together a diverse group of talented artists across the globe, from South Western Australia to the vibrant streets of NYC’.”

As a bonus, Fairnie said the exhibition cemented ties to 3RD Ethos Gallery which would mean more collaborations in the future as well as the chance for the edgiest Margaret River region artists to get a foot in the door of the hectic New York arts scene.

“Planning is already underway to have several of the more well-known NYC artists to come out to the South West to engage the community in a series of street art workshops, art events, and another collaborative exhibition with Fugazi artists,” Fairnie said.

Speaking from New York, Byun said the exhibition received a great local reception.

“The exhibition was colourful and vibrant, and seamlessly showcased 60-plus artworks and different styles together,” she said.

“It highlighted each artist and their style, all complementing each other.

“There was no difference between works by artists from NYC or Australia — testament to the power of art that connects beyond geographical borders.

“This exhibit also gave opportunity for the artists in Australia to showcase their talent and tell their stories to a broader audience and to connect with artists in NYC and vice versa.”

Byun and Fairnie were also thrilled to report a significant number of sales for those features.

“Almost all of the ones from the Fugazi Gallery high school kids were sold first night as it really resonated with the audience,” Fairnie said.

“I was so proud when this happened.”

Fugazi Gallery is located on Wirring Road in Cowaramup.