Editor’s note: The physical Auckland Art Fair has now been postponed until 2021 due to COVID-19. However, the organisers will be running a virtual art air from 30 April to 17 May, where patrons can view selected works from Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthbert, among many others, for free from their homes. See more information about the Virtual Art Fair here.

There aren’t too many prominent art-world figures from either Australia or New Zealand with the type of credibility that Sally Dan-Cuthbert has. The independent Sydney-based art advisor has been working with a handful of private and corporate clients for the past 27 years and, before that, she was a painting specialist for Christie’s auction house and a curator. Her list of contacts is nothing short of impressive and her professional knowledge and expertise are formidable. Little wonder people had been telling her for ages she should open her own gallery and so, in late 2019, she did just that.

Located in Rushcutters Bay, Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthbert reveals everything that is right with Australia’s contemporary art scene today. The space itself is light, bright and modern, exhibitions showcase exquisite works of different media, and the gallery’s stable features both artists and designers. In this respect, the gallerist is broadening the way visual art and functional design are viewed by breaking down categorisations that, traditionally, have kept them separate. But, then again, her agenda is simply to show the best work around, regardless of genre and style. As she explains, “I believe in things that can inspire and create conversation and I also believe in beauty.”

It’s a philosophical approach that underpins her interest in narrative and materiality, motivating her to curate and collect works that are as conceptually rigorous as they are visually striking. And, while she doesn’t play favourites, there are particular artists and designers she has been championing for many years and whom she now represents through her gallery, including New Zealanders Lisa Reihana, Sabine Marcelis and Zhu Ohmu. Of the three, Reihana, who is of Māori descent, is arguably the most widely recognised, having represented New Zealand in 2017 at the Venice Biennale.

Dan-Cuthbert’s relationship with the video, film and photographic artist is long-standing and it’s what initially caused her to explore New Zealand’s art and design scenes further, as well as become familiar with Māori art traditions. “I see Lisa as a critical thinker and storyteller, and feel fortunate to have been able to follow her practice journey,” reflects Dan-Cuthbert.

And, while she’s commissioned Reihana to produce work for several of her art advisory clients, Dan-Cuthbert was most excited to purchase one of Reihana’s photographs for her own personal collection. A powerful image of the artist’s great-aunt telling a Māori legend, it now hangs above the lounge’s fireplace in Dan-Cuthbert’s Spanish Mission-style Rose Bay home. 

Such is the work’s visual impact that Dan-Cuthbert and her husband actually redid the whole fireplace – they exposed the brick and removed the mantel – to work better with the photograph. In a home full of breathtaking objects, sumptuous designer furniture and striking artworks, Reihana’s photograph seemingly rising out of the ashes is unforgettable. Dan-Cuthbert has complemented this vignette with a black New Zealand saddle leather chair by Trent Jansen and Johnny Nargoodah, positioning both of them opposite a white large-scale sculpture by Jonathan Jones, who lived with Dan-Cuthbert and her husband for a few days while he constructed the artwork in situ.

It goes without saying that Dan-Cuthbert has a very, very good eye. But what truly sets her apart is the synergy she manages to create between an artwork or design object and its environment. This has undoubtedly come from spending time in her clients’ homes and offices, where she learned that nothing will work – regardless of how beautiful a piece may be – if it’s in the wrong setting or location.

There’s also something to be said for surrounding oneself with things that elicit emotional responses. “Any art and design I’m going to live with has to be unique and special,” Dan-Cuthbert says. “I’m not going to have a painting or piece of furniture in my home for the sake of filling a wall or corner. It has to excite me and have a reason for being there.”

Still celebrating her gallery’s successful showing at Sydney Contemporary, Dan-Cuthbert is preparing to bring works from Reihana, Jansen and Nargoodah, and Ohmu to the Auckland Art Fair. These will sit alongside new work from David Tate, including a special-edition stool based on the kiwi bird. Dan-Cuthbert is proving she has the Midas touch, so it’s well worth keeping an eye on her next moves.