Akash Bhatt - Rusty's - Residency and Exhibition

Venue: Tanks Arts Centre

UK based artist Akash Bhatt visited Cairns in 2025 on his travels through Australia, sketching as he went. It became clear to him very quickly how vital Rusty’s Markets is to the local community, offering an invaluable alternative to the main supermarkets. It also acts as a social hub, which is evident by seeing the frequent interaction between stall holders and their regular customers.

Akash returns to Cairns in March to spend more time at Rusty’s, speak to customers and stall holders, and visually record the running of the market and the people who use it. Creating a body of work that reflects not only the vitality of the market but also shows how crucial Rusty’s is for the future of the people of Cairns.

“Markets such as Rusty’s, and the Leicester Market of my hometown, and all over the world, often struggle in the face of increasing expansion of supermarket chains that wish to monopolise the fruit and veg sector.”

Exhibition and Residency: Tue 17 Mar - Sun 3 May
Launch: 5.30pm, Fri 10 Apr
Viewing for Rusty's: 3pm, Tues 14 Apr

Image: Rusty’s Market Il

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