Sydney Contemporary unveils new public work by First Nations artist Reko Rennie

Phoebe Blogg Published August 28, 2026 at 3.10pm (AWST)

arts

Artit Reko Rennie in front of his work 'ALWAYS' at Sydney Fish Market, Presented by Sydney Contemporary and Destination NSW. Artist courtesy Ames Yavuz. (Image: supplied)

Sydney Contemporary, Australasia's leading contemporary art fair, has unveiled two major new public artworks by Reko Rennie and Joan Ross, expanding the Fair beyond Carriageworks ahead of its 10th edition which opens next week across September 3-6.

The work of Kamilaroi artist Rennie (represented by Ames Yavuz) dramatically transforms the front staircase of Sydney Fish Market, on display until September 14, while Ross (represented by N.Smith Gallery) presents a large-scale video installation at Barangaroo's Pier Pavilion until September 7.

These two works, supported by Destination NSW and Placemaking NSW, form part of Sydney Contemporary's largest Installation program to date.

Curated by José Da Silva, Director of UNSW Galleries, the program brings together leading Australian and international artists across Carriageworks and the wider city, inviting audiences to encounter contemporary art at an immersive scale.

Twelve more installations will be unveiled at Carriageworks next week, including a large-scale billboard on the façade of the building by internationally renowned Aotearoa New Zealand artist Billy Apple®, also supported by Destination NSW.

Rennie's ALWAYS (2026) wraps the staircase of Sydney Fish Market with a monumental vinyl work in his distinctive visual language of bold colour, geometric patterning and urban iconography, accompanied by two large-scale totemic sculptures.

The installation brings Rennie's practice into dialogue with the Fish Market's iconic harbourside architecture and its role as a civic and cultural gathering place.

"My work is about visibility and presence. It brings together the language of the street, my Kamilaroi heritage and the urgency of asserting Aboriginal identity in contemporary urban spaces," he said.

*Reko Rennie, ALWAYS, 2026, Sydney Fish Market, Presented by Sydney Contemporary and Destination NSW. Artist courtesy Ames Yavuz. (Image: supplied)*

Rennie's interdisciplinary practice spans painting, sculpture, installation, neon, video and public art.

His work challenges fixed expectations of Aboriginal art while asserting the visibility and complexity of contemporary urban Aboriginal identity, exploring themes of place, movement, cultural presence and sovereignty.

"Today marks an exciting moment for Sydney Contemporary as we unveil these two major public artworks across the city," said Sydney Contemporary Fair director Zoe Paulsen.

"Seeing Reko Rennie's installation transform the Sydney Fish Market staircase and Joan Ross's work take over Barangaroo's Pier Pavilion is a powerful way to begin our 10th edition.

"These works are bold, ambitious and deeply connected to their surroundings, and we're thrilled to share them with Sydney audiences ahead of the fair.

"With the support of Destination NSW and Placemaking NSW, this year's Installation program is our biggest yet, extending the experience of Sydney Contemporary beyond Carriageworks and into the life of the city."

Presented in partnership with MA Financial Group, Sydney Contemporary returns to Carriageworks from the 3rd-6th of September 2026, featuring more than 100 galleries from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Asia and the United Kingdom, presenting work by more than 500 artists from 33 countries.

Sydney Contemporary is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and events agency, Destination NSW.

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