Rachel Ciesla’s Guide to Naarm

Rachel Ciesla is the curator at The Art Gallery of Western Australia’s Simon Lee Foundation Institute of Contemporary Asian Art in Boorloo (Perth). For the 18th edition of the Melbourne Art Fair, she joins as curator of VIDEO, a dedicated sector of the Fair which presents a dynamic and thought-provoking collection of contemporary moving-image works. Now based in Boorloo/Perth, Rachel reflects on some of her favourite spots around Naarm/Melbourne, places she always looks forward to revisiting.

What do you miss most about the city when spending long periods of time away?

The Japanese breakfast at CIBI, then walking from Collingwood through Carlton Gardens and into the city, sitting in the front window at Dukes with a coffee before searching for something a little special at World Food Books or picking up a classic from Readings or Paperback, having lunch with an old friend at Sunhands and a few too many martinis at Apollo Inn after midnight.

CIBI, 33-39 Keele St, Collingwood. Photo: Tim Grey.

Where would you take someone to give them a good first impression of the city?

If the weather is just right then let’s walk through the Botanic Gardens, find ourselves at NGV, and come out the other side in China town for some dumplings.

Favourite dinner spot after a day exploring at the Fair?

Since it opened in 2016 it has been Napier Quarter. It has always been so very gentle to me.

Napier Quarter, 359 Napier St, Fitzroy.

Favourite place to discover art?

Some friends of mine recently opened a gallery in the Nicholson Building called ORDINANCE. If you’re in the city on a Friday or Saturday it’s worth a visit.