In conjunction with its major summer exhibition Pop to popism, the Art Gallery of NSW presents a special series of pop-art inspired Art After Hours events on Wednesday evenings in January.

Exclusive to Sydney this summer, Pop to popism is one of the most comprehensive surveys of pop art ever to be seen in Australia with over 200 works from pop’s greatest artist, including Warhol, Lichtenstein, Whiteley, Koons and Sherman.

The Pop to popism Art After Hours series offers a packed program of celebrity and artist talks, films, tours, live music, drinks and food on Wednesday evenings until 10pm.

Each week the Gallery will be transformed to capture the spirit of a pop decade, from the vintage inspiration of the 1950s to the glitter and glam of the 1980s.

Program highlights

Beginning on Wednesday 7 January with the 1950s, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the era and dress as boppers and beatniks. One of Sydney’s most well-known 1950s fashionistas, Sarah Doyle from Porteño restaurant, will be in conversation with presenter Claudia Chan Shaw to discuss her obsession with all things 50s. Bring your dancing shoes as musicians will perform tunes of the time from Elvis, the Everly Brothers, Ray Charles, Doris Day and more.

Wednesday 14 January showcases 1960s Mad Men and the rise of advertising. Dress as mods or hippies, and indulge in music from the swinging 60s. Arts festival director extraordinaire and advertising guru Leo Schofield will discuss his work in the advertising industry in London and New York. Leo will be joined by his daughter, presenter, actor and director, Nell Schofield, to reminisce and consider cinematic depictions of the industry. Wendy Whiteley will also present an artist talk in front of The American dream by Brett Whiteley.

Wednesday 21 January channels 1970s bra-burning feminism. Dress in your best punk or disco attire as the indomitable Annabel Crabb speaks about the political activism and feminist movements of the 1970s and the impact they have had on workplace relations today. Settle in for the iconic 1970 film Elvis: that’s the way it is, or soak up the sounds of an acoustic rock band covering hits of the 70s, with songs by Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones.

Wednesday 28 January is all about 1980s retro fashion. Dress as new romantics or yuppies, and hear Romance Was Born designer Luke Sales reflect on the hits and misses of the 80s, and why retro fashion is still a vital source of inspiration for designers in Australia. Let Joseph Calderazzo and friends take you back in time to the sounds of synthesisers and electronic drum kits, covering classics by Boy George, Madonna and other 80s megastars.

Visitors are encouraged to dress for the themes with prizes from Uniqlo awarded to the best dressed each Wednesday.

On Wednesdays throughout January, the Gallery Shop will be open until 9pm, the Gallery cafe will be open until 9.30pm, and CHISWICK at the Gallery restaurant will be opening until 10pm. A courtesy bus runs every 15 minutes throughout the evening from the gallery to various city locations.

More information

Full program

Extended hours

Due to popular demand, Pop to popism will be open late – until 9pm – on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights throughout January 2015 (excluding 1 and 29 January). Make a night of it and pair your late-night art experience with dinner at our restaurant CHISWICK at the Gallery, open until 10pm.