Supergraph Graphic Art Fair

Supergraph hits the Royal Exhibition Buildings this weekend, presenting original and limited edition graphic, print and illustration based artworks for every taste and budget.

After working around commercial art that was way out of her price range, Supergraph director and founder Mikala Tai wanted to start an event that showcased art and design at an accessible price point. Five years in the making, the result is Supergraph, a contemporary graphic art fair and mini-festival built on the belief that everyone should be able to own art that they love.

In its inaugural outing, running over three days at Carlton’s Royal Exhibition Building from February 14-16, Supergraph sets out to create an event that  is not just a place to buy art at an affordable price, but a place to participate in the making of it as well. Visitors can peruse the large display of works, watch new works being created or attend one of the many activities running over the Saturday and Sunday. “Supergraph builds on the structure of a normal art fair but is different because rather than simply having a pop-up commercial space, we are creating pop-up studio spaces,” says Tai. “You can still buy from your favourite artist, gallery or collective but you can also see how they create.”

As well as established local artists such as Beci Orphin and Angie Rehe, emerging artists and collectives will also be exhibiting their work — some for the first time. Through workshops and masterclasses, artists are given a chance to demonstrate their craft as well as sell it. Classes and talks include Jeremy Wortsman of illustration agency Jacky Winter Group presenting “Business End”, a drawing class by fashion illustrator Kelly Thompson and multi-platform artists tin&ed presenting a workshop, “The Art of Collaboration”.

This captures the essence of Supergraph – connecting artists and designers to the public, and making graphic art more accessible.

“Developing an understanding on the skill that goes behind the works is really key to appreciating art and Supergraph is designed to give you a little sneak peek into the creative process,” says Tai. “It’s is just as much about taking home a new work as it is about appreciating the talent that created it, or perhaps even taking home a new creative skill and some inspiration.”

Supergraph
Friday 14 – Sunday 16 February
Royal Exhibition Buildings
Rathdowne Street, Carlton
www.supergraph.com.au

 Illustration by Mimi Leung

By Lauren Vadnjal