Gallery 144

A New Voice in Sydney's Contemporary Art Scene

Gallery 144 is located at 144 Commonwealth Street in Surry Hills, NSW 2010. It launched as Outsider Gallery in 2024, founded by Michael Pizzardello and Nik Ternezis, and quickly earned notice for its commitment to serious, ambitious artistic practice. When it rebranded to Gallery 144 in 2026, the shift reflected more than just a new name. It signalled a maturing programme focused on supporting emerging Australian contemporary artists.

The gallery works directly with artists in a way that feels honest and unpretentious. Rather than cycling work through the usual gallery machine, they commit to supporting artists over time, giving them genuine backing for their practice. The artists they work with make bold, individual work that engages seriously with how we see and understand the world. As the gallery has developed, that approach has stayed consistent.

Contemporary, Abstract and Expressive Artistic Practices

Gallery 144's program covers a broad range of contemporary art. You'll see abstract and expressionist pieces alongside figurative and landscape work, each chosen because it pushes past the usual constraints and engages with serious, forward-thinking creative ideas. The gallery brings together emerging and established artists in a way that opens up conversations across different points in a career, backing ambitious work and nurturing artists who have something genuine to say.

The gallery takes a measured approach to what it shows, prioritising quality and depth over chasing what's fashionable. Artists are selected for the integrity and originality of what they do. That means the exhibitions generally give you something real to look at in contemporary art. The work varies in style and medium, which reflects how the gallery thinks about what contemporary art can be, but it maintains strict standards about what gets shown.

Exhibition Programme and Artists

Gallery 144 runs a regular rotation of group and solo exhibitions throughout the year. Recent and upcoming shows feature artists working across contemporary practice, such as Trésor Murace's Afterglow (July to August 2026). The gallery also stocks available works between exhibitions, ranging from limited-edition prints to established pieces. John Aslanidis is one such artist represented here, his Sonic series reflecting the abstract and expressionist aesthetic the gallery values.

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What Sets Gallery 144 Apart

Gallery 144 stands out in a crowded art market by backing artists properly. The gallery works as a real partner in artists' careers, supporting their practice year after year instead of just pushing shows through. That kind of genuine collaboration means exhibitions come from a solid understanding between artist and curator, and the work lands with a clear sense of purpose.

The shift from Outsider Gallery to Gallery 144 wasn't about leaving things behind. It was about pushing further with what already worked. The new name comes straight from the address: 144 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010. It grounds the space in the neighbourhood and signals a sharper sense of direction. For collectors, emerging artists and anyone interested in what's happening in contemporary art, Gallery 144 offers something different. It's a place where the art actually comes first, not the gallery model.

Visiting Gallery 144, Surry Hills

Gallery 144 is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, with the option to arrange visits outside these hours by appointment. You'll find it on Commonwealth Street in Surry Hills, which is well connected by public transport from across Sydney.

Keep tabs on Gallery 144 through their Instagram account (@gallery144__) or subscribe to their monthly newsletter for updates on upcoming shows, new artists and what else is happening at the gallery. Ring or email the team if you have specific questions. Collectors, emerging artists or anyone curious about Sydney's contemporary art scene will find a relaxed, open environment where you can encounter fresh and interesting artistic work.