Micro Art, Major Appeal: Unique street gallery captivates Cremorne locals.

By ANNA USHER

Perched on top of a wooden post in a quiet Cremorne street, a unique art showroom is attracting growing numbers of curious visitors from the lower north shore.

Sydney’s newest gallery is making big waves in the art world, even though the works on display are tiny, measuring just a few centimetres tall.

Two months ago, local mum of three Amanda Fox was looking for a creative way to re-connect with the community while on Maternity Leave.

A long-time fan of local Street Libraries, the art teacher came up with the idea of a free miniature gallery in the front yard of her Reed St home.

“I thought about the positive impact Street Libraries have had, and then wondered if I could do something similar with art,” she said.

Enter the Museum of Tiny Art (MOTA).

Each week, Amanda features different paintings from Australian artists in her pocket-sized gallery, complete with tiny “visitors” who admire the micro masterpieces.

“I print the works and hang them in the gallery with the help of my twin daughters, and the neighbours love having something new to look at when they pass by,” she said.

“The twins are just four, and they squeal with excitement every time we have a visitor, and they love to help me arrange the gallery furnishings and of course, turn the lights on each evening!”

MOTA has curated six exhibitions so far, with a focus on contemporary female artists, and has attracted interest from some big names, like Archibald winner Del Kathryn Barton.

“I published a video of the gallery with Barton’s works on the walls and tagged her on Instagram,” Amanda said. “She immediately liked, commented, and followed the account, and continues to be a supporter of my little installation, which blows my mind.”

This week, MOTA is showcasing the work of Kate Owen, and Amanda told Mosman Collective she is eager to feature more local talent.

“I would love to share MOTA with the wider community, whether that means people following along on Instagram, visiting the gallery in person, or emailing artist suggestions,” she said.

“There are plans to get some of Sydney’s acclaimed artists involved in our tiny gallery, and we’d love to create more of these boxes on local streets, to make art accessible for everyone.”

The Museum of Tiny Art (MOTA)
Where: 17A Reed Street, Cremorne.
Instagram: @museumoftinyart