Have you ever wondered what it's like to step into a wonderland of contemporary Chinese art? If so, you'll love White Rabbit Gallery, a world-class gallery that showcases the most cutting-edge and provocative artworks from 21st century China. Whether you're a fan of modern art or just curious about the culture and history of China, you'll find something to fascinate and inspire you at this amazing gallery in Sydney.
White Rabbit Gallery was founded in 2009 by Judith Neilson, a passionate collector of contemporary Chinese art. She wanted to share her collection with the public and create a space for dialogue and exchange between artists and audiences. The gallery features works by more than 700 artists, ranging from painting and sculpture to video and installation. The collection is constantly updated and rotated, with two new exhibitions every year, each with a different theme and focus.
In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about White Rabbit Gallery, including how to visit, what to see, what to do, and how to support this unique destination in Sydney. You'll also get some tips and insights from an experienced and expert traveller who has visited the gallery several times. Whether you're planning a trip to Sydney or just browsing for inspiration, you'll find this article helpful and informative.
How to Visit White Rabbit Gallery
Visiting White Rabbit Gallery is easy and convenient, as it's located in the heart of Sydney's Chinatown, close to many other attractions and amenities. The gallery is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free for everyone. You can also book a free guided tour online or join one on the spot, depending on availability. The tours are led by friendly and knowledgeable staff who will give you an overview of the gallery and its exhibitions, and answer any questions you may have.
To get to the gallery, you can take public transport, such as the train, bus, or light rail, and get off at Central Station, which is a 10-minute walk away. You can also drive and park at one of the nearby parking lots, such as the Market City Car Park or the Capitol Square Car Park, which offer discounted rates for gallery visitors. Just make sure to validate your parking ticket at the gallery reception before you leave.
The gallery is also accessible for people with disabilities, as it has a lift, ramps, and wheelchair-accessible toilets. You can also borrow a wheelchair or a walker from the reception if you need one. The gallery also provides audio guides, large-print guides, and braille guides for people with vision impairment, and hearing loops for people with hearing impairment. You can also request a sign language interpreter or a tactile tour if you book in advance.
If you're ready to visit White Rabbit Gallery, you can book your ticket or tour online now, or just drop by during the opening hours. You'll be amazed by the variety and quality of the artworks on display, and the stories and messages behind them.
What to See at White Rabbit Gallery
Seeing White Rabbit Gallery is an unforgettable experience, as you'll be immersed in a wonderland of contemporary Chinese art that will challenge and delight you. The gallery occupies a former Rolls-Royce showroom that has been converted into a four-floor space, with each floor dedicated to a different exhibition. The exhibitions change every six months, and feature works by emerging and established artists from mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Chinese diaspora. The artworks reflect the social, political, and cultural changes and issues that have shaped China in the 21st century, and explore themes such as identity, history, memory, technology, environment, and spirituality.
- Some of the exhibitions that have been shown at the gallery include:
- Supernatural: This exhibition showcased works that explored the relationship between humans and nature, and the impact of human intervention and innovation on the natural world. The artworks ranged from realistic to fantastical, and from playful to provocative, and included a giant inflatable rabbit, a robotic lotus flower, a glowing mushroom forest, and a video of a man eating a pearl.
- The Sleeper Awakes: This exhibition showcased works that explored the concept of awakening, both literally and metaphorically, and the consequences and implications of being awake or asleep in a changing world. The artworks ranged from serene to disturbing, and from personal to political, and included a sleeping Buddha, a video of a woman giving birth, a sculpture of a man trapped in a suitcase, and a painting of a protest scene.
- Then: This exhibition showcased works that explored the notion of time, and how it shapes and is shaped by our perception, memory, and imagination. The artworks ranged from nostalgic to futuristic, and from realistic to abstract, and included a clock that runs backwards, a video of a man aging, a collage of historical images, and a sculpture of a melting ice cream cone.
- The gallery also features some of the most high-impact and controversial artworks that have attracted media attention and public debate, such as:
- Ashes by Zhang Xiaogang: This is a series of paintings that depict the faces of ordinary people in a realistic but distorted style, with exaggerated features and expressions. The paintings are based on old photographs that the artist found, and reflect the impact of the Cultural Revolution and the Maoist era on the Chinese society and psyche.
- The Execution of Christ by Shen Shaomin: This is a sculpture that depicts the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, but with a twist: the figure on the cross is not Jesus, but Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic of China. The sculpture is a critique of the cult of personality and the political repression that Mao imposed on China, and the suffering and sacrifice that he caused for millions of people.
- Old Persons Home by Sun Yuan and Peng Yu: This is an installation that features 13 life-sized animatronic figures of elderly men, dressed in suits and sitting on wheelchairs. The figures are modeled after former world leaders, such as Fidel Castro, Winston Churchill, and Mao Zedong, and move randomly around the gallery, bumping into each other and the walls. The installation is a commentary on the decline and decay of power and authority, and the loneliness and isolation of old age.
- If you want to see White Rabbit Gallery, you can check the gallery's website for the current and upcoming exhibitions, and the artworks and artists featured in them. You can also read the reviews and ratings of the gallery on various platforms, such as Tripadvisor, Google, and Facebook, and see what other visitors have to say about their experience. You'll be impressed by the creativity and diversity of the artworks, and the insights and perspectives they offer on contemporary China and the world.
What to Do at White Rabbit Gallery
- Doing White Rabbit Gallery is more than just looking at the artworks, as the gallery offers many other activities and experiences that will enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the gallery and its art. You can join a free guided tour, visit the teahouse, browse the gift shop, or attend an event, depending on your interests and preferences. Here are some of the things you can do at the gallery, and why you should do them:
- Join a free guided tour: This is one of the best ways to learn more about the gallery and its exhibitions, as you'll be accompanied by a friendly and knowledgeable staff member who will give you an overview of the gallery and its collection, and explain the artworks and their themes, meanings, and contexts. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions and share your opinions and impressions with the staff and other visitors. The tours last for about an hour, and are offered every day at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. You can book a tour online or join one on the spot, depending on availability. You can also request a private tour or a group tour if you have a special occasion or a specific interest.
- Visit the teahouse: This is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to spend some time at the gallery, as you'll be able to sample some of the finest teas and snacks from China and Taiwan, and admire the artworks and the garden view from the balcony. The teahouse is located on the ground floor of the gallery, and is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can choose from a variety of teas, such as green, black, oolong, and herbal, and enjoy them with some delicious dumplings, spring rolls, cakes, and cookies. You can also buy some tea and tea accessories from the teahouse, and take them home as souvenirs or gifts.
- Browse the gift shop: This is one of the most fun and rewarding ways to support the gallery, as you'll be able to buy some unique and original items that are inspired by or related to the artworks and the artists in the gallery. The gift shop is located on the ground floor of the gallery, and is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can find a variety of products, such as books, catalogues, posters, postcards, magnets, stickers, t-shirts, bags, mugs, jewellery, and toys. You can also buy some artworks by some of the artists in the gallery, such as prints, sculptures, and ceramics. You'll be sure to find something that suits your taste and budget, and that reminds you of your visit to the gallery.
- Attend an event: This is one of the most exciting and enriching ways to experience the gallery, as you'll be able to participate in some of the events and programs that the gallery organises or hosts throughout the year. The events include lectures, workshops, performances, screenings, festivals, and parties, and cover topics such as art, culture, history, politics, and society. The events are open to the public, and some of them are free or discounted for gallery members. You can check the gallery's website or social media for the latest updates and information on the events, and book your tickets or reservations online or at the reception. You'll be able to learn more about the gallery and its art, and meet some of the artists, curators, experts, and other visitors who share your interest and passion.
Conclusion
White Rabbit Gallery is a unique destination for contemporary Chinese art in Sydney, and a must-see for anyone who loves or is curious about art, culture, and history. The gallery features a stunning collection of artworks by more than 700 artists, who reflect and respond to the changes and challenges that have shaped China in the 21st century. The gallery also offers a range of activities and experiences that will enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the gallery and its art, such as tours, teahouse, gift shop, and events. The gallery also welcomes and appreciates your support, and provides various ways for you to get involved and stay connected with the gallery and its art, such as donations, volunteering, subscribing, and following.
If you're looking for a wonderland of contemporary Chinese art in Sydney, you'll find it at White Rabbit Gallery. You'll be amazed, inspired, and challenged by the artworks and the stories behind them, and you'll also have a lot of fun and learning along the way. You'll also be supporting a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to promoting and celebrating contemporary Chinese art and culture, and making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. So don't hesitate, and visit White Rabbit Gallery today. You'll be glad you did.
