A Year in Review: Bluethumb Highlights of 2023
As we step into 2024, we reflect on the past 12 months, celebrating Bluethumb’s highlights and achievements. From showcasing incredible art to expanding our vibrant community of artists, Bluethumb continues to redefine online art buying. Join us as we reflect and raise a toast to everyone who contributed to this year’s success.
Front-Row Seat to a Year Filled with Creativity & Inspiration
Our Richmond and Adelaide galleries hosted a dynamic rotation of Australia’s finest original artists throughout the year. The exhibits have spanned a diverse range of themes and art styles, from Modern Tables’ captivating still lifes and Rising Realism’s attention to detail to the echoes of artistic greats in The Art of Inspiration and Statement Makers. Our galleries currently showcase giftable canvases ideal for placing Under the Tree. Each exhibition has brought a unique perspective, making our gallery spaces a haven for art enthusiasts seeking variety and excellence.
Visitors were enamored by Gabriela Azar Schreiner’s work at the Statement Makers Exhibition.
Excitement is building as we plan gallery exhibitions and events for the upcoming year. To stay in the loop and ensure you don’t miss out on the latest updates, subscribe to our mailing list and follow us on social media. Your front-row seat to a year filled with creativity and inspiration awaits!
During the Rising Realism Exhibition, many collectors confused ANDO‘s hyperrealistic painting with a photograph.
Showcasing Talented Artists at Sydney & Melbourne Affordable Art Fair
Bluethumb shone at Sydney’s and Melbourne’s Affordable Art Fairs this year. The events provided a fantastic opportunity for our team to engage with new and returning collectors face-to-face. Artists achieved remarkable success at the Affordable Art Fair, with Shannon Camden’s works selling out and Brad Gunn’s velvet-flocked sculptures leaving a lasting impression. We can’t wait to showcase more talent in the new year.
The Affordable Art Fair is every art enthusiast’s dream weekend!
Celebrating NAIDOC Week with Echoes of Tradition
During NAIDOC Week, we celebrated the rich history and artistry of the world’s oldest living culture. Uncle Colin Hunter Jr. welcomed us to Country whilst surrounded by Echoes of Tradition. This exhibition featured diverse artworks from Indigenous Art Centres and independent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. The collection included traditional bark and contemporary canvas paintings, complemented by sculptural works crafted by the talented Tjanpi Desert Weavers, Maningrida and Marrawuddi Arts and Culture artists.
Uncle Colin Hunter Jr. welcomes our exhibition guests to Country.
As a proud member of the Indigenous Art Code, Bluethumb has established direct partnerships with some of Australia’s most remote and esteemed Indigenous Art Centres. Looking ahead to 2024, we aim to further our commitment to supporting and promoting the dissemination of Indigenous culture and craftsmanship.
Shop animal sculptures by the Tjanpi Desert Weavers online today.
Infusing Art into Your Every Day
This year, our Art Advisory team has played a pivotal role in facilitating over 300 residential and commercial projects, making it our most successful trade year to date. With over 600 artworks now adorning their permanent homes, we’ve successfully transformed ordinary spaces into vibrant art havens.
We worked with Grace Interior Designs to transform an Airbnb in South Yarra. Click here to see more of this project.
Tom Herman & Ross Morgan Took Over the Adelaide Gallery
Collectable artist Tom Hermann enjoyed a solo show at our Goodwood-based Adelaide Gallery earlier this year. An ode to Cosplay, Unmasked included hyperrealistic oil paintings depicting still life images of behind-the-scenes costume-making, props and portraits of cosplayers.
Tom Hermann is the master behind the unmasked exhibition.
Later in the year, Ross Morgan’s illustrations became the focal point, immortalising the cherished late fur baby of art collector Freddy Grant in Dannika Patterson’s latest children’s book, “Hedgehog The Wonder Dog.” As Bluethumb’s first mascot, it was only appropriate to showcase Grungle, the beloved pet, in what was essentially his second home.
Discover Ros Morgan’s original artworks and illustrated studies from the 2023 picture book “Hedgehog the Wonder Dog” online and at Bluethumb’s Adelaide Gallery.
The Bluethumb Art Prize 2023
We welcomed artists and collectors alike to witness the Bluethumb Art Prize 2023 Awards Ceremony and explore the Art Prize Finalist Exhibition. A talented mix of artists and leading interior design professionals judged this year’s Art Prize. With a total prize pool of $100,000, this year’s competition received an impressive 8,000+ entries.
Bluethumb Art Prize 2023 overall winner Ellie Sutton accepting her award.
Following Lauren Starr’s footsteps, Ellie Sutton secured the $50,000 Bluethumb Art Prize overall winnings with her artwork Serpents Coil. As the Bluethumb Art Prize evolves each year, we eagerly anticipate the creativity and talent showcased in next year’s entries. Click here to explore the complete list of this year’s winners, including People’s Choice Award winner Kate Gradwell.
Explore the Art Prize Finalist Exhibition online today and shop for award-worthy art from the comfort of your home.
Million Dollar Artists & Mullets Hit the Press
Our co-founder, George and his residual lockdown mullet graced Forbes Australia’s front page when they celebrated the success of Bluethumb artist Cheryl Harrison and recognised our commitment to cultivating the careers of Australian artists. Yahoo! Finance USA also named us a one-of-a-kind platform for original, diverse artists!
Successfully Launching in the USA
We successfully launched Bluethumbart.com in the USA this year, opening up a world of opportunities for our artists. This milestone marks an exciting journey ahead.
Where will we go next?
We Experienced Connection at The Lume
To conclude 2023, we explored Connection at The Lume. The immersive experience, showcasing the creations of First Nations artists and musicians, served as a captivating feast for the senses. Celebrating the rich tapestry of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customs and traditions relating to the earth, land, water, and sky, the digital exhibition was a brilliant opportunity to witness the artistry of our Indigenous Art Centres and independent artists in a new light.
Connection at The Lume. Images supplied.
To celebrate the final weeks of Connection, there will be a display of nine artworks created by Emily Kame Kngwarreye in the last two weeks of her life. These pieces complement the 53 works featured in Emily’s Wall, a captivating representation of changing seasons, now publicly exhibited in Australia for the first time.
Emily’s Wall at The Lume. Images supplied.
Experience the beauty and depth of Connection before it ends on the 4th of February, 2024. Use code BLUETHUMB for 20% off tickets.
A big thank you from the Bluethumb team to our artists, Indigenous Art Centres, collectors, and trade clients for your unwavering support. We wish you a safe and happy festive season and look forward to continuing to support Australian and US artists in 2024.
An absolutely FANTASTIC year – thanks for everything Bluethumb!!!!
Much love,
Eve
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