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Think of walking into a giant peach-colored lung; but make it a fashion stement. That's the audacious vision Oigåll Projects brought to the 2025 Melbourne Art Fair's VIP Lounge. Under the direction of Andy Kelly and Mitchell Zurek, what could have been another stark white box for champagne sipping turned into something far more intriguing.
Working with specialists from Singapore, the team created an inflatable structure that looks and feels almost organic - like being inside a particularly chic organ. It's the kind of space that makes you wonder whether you're viewing the art or if the room itself is quietly watching you back.
Inside this architectural curiosity, works by an impressive roster of artists find their home. Their art doesn't just hang on walls - it seems to exist in conversation with the space itself, like guests at a particularly interesting dinner party.
The structure's genius lies in its planned afterlife. Unlike the usual temporary fair constructions that end up as high-end waste, this peachy pavilion was designed for reuse. It's a bit like a traveling circus tent, if the circus were curated by contemporary art visionaries.
Kelly and Zurek haven't just created a room - they've questioned what a room needs to be. In doing so, they've managed to make even the concept of a VIP lounge feel less exclusive and more experimental. Who knew that being inside what essentially amounts to a sophisticated bouncy castle could make us rethink the whole concept of art spaces?
Oigåll Projects is a Melbourne-based gallery and creative studio located at 122 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. Established in 2020, the gallery has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to showcasing provocative and experimental works from contemporary Australian artists and designers. Their approach blends traditional craftsmanship with innovative design, resulting in pieces that challenge conventional aesthetics and functionality.
In addition to their gallery exhibitions, Oigåll Projects has been involved in various design events, such as Sydney Design Week 2022, where they presented “OFFSITE,” a satellite show featuring seven Australian artists and designers. This exhibition explored the fusion of classical ideals with contemporary design, emphasizing material curiosity and innovative processes.
Their influence extends beyond exhibitions; the founders’ own living space reflects their design philosophy. Featured in Vogue Australia, their Fitzroy home doubles as a creative hub, embodying the gallery’s ethos of blending art, design, and daily living.
Oigåll Projects continues to redefine the Australian design landscape by fostering a community of artists and designers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of their respective disciplines.
