A Blueprint for Ruins

Overview

A Sydney institution, White Rabbit Gallery has been running free exhibitions showcasing contemporary Chinese art for over a decade. From focusing on all things luminous to deep dives into the art of storytelling, the White Rabbit team continues to wow Sydneysiders with thought-provoking collections. The Chippendale favourite's latest is A Blueprint for Ruins, running until May, and examines the pitfalls of modernity and a lack of humanity that can sometimes be felt in global cities.

Artist Hu Weiyi, whose giclee print is being displayed in A Blueprint for Ruins, writes: "it's as if every abandoned building, about to disappear, is attempting to sing its last note, and eventually they will come together to form a requiem for an era".

The traditional and the hyper-modern collide across the exhibition, conjuring an eerie feeling as it explores places where the people that occupy them are often forgotten. As you wander through the multi-storey space, you'll discover glossy neon-lit rooms, intricate porcelain artworks, footprints on paper, antique lamps, bronze artefacts and video projections.

As with any White Rabbit exhibition, it's best to visit yourself, bringing an open mind as you discover the meticulously curated artworks and create connections of your own. Luckily, entry is completely free, and the gallery is open 10am–5pm Wednesday–Sunday, so you've got plenty of opportunities to do just that.

You can also turn the trip into a real double-header by placing your name into the ballot to score tickets to Phoenix Central Park, the gallery's neighbouring concert venue. The current season at this intimate hall features free performances from Mulalo, FRIDAY*, Tim Hecker, Maple Glider, Tex Crick and Lydia Lunch.

Images: Hamish McIntosh.