Outre Gallery

world class.

Outre brings Melbourne into the art world in a serious public way, and its about damn time. This city is a haven for all types of art -- tourists come here purely for street art tours -- and Outre houses some of the best living wonders of the new art era. Reading a lot of imported art magazines like Juxtapoz, I got discouraged at the fact that there were so many new fresh talents that weren't hitting our shores. Outre rounds them up and pushes them right in your face, in a warm little split level shop just up Elizabeth Street. And if you're not in the market for a Mark Ryden, an original Miss Van or some Shag posters, there are plenty of other tasty art treats on hand. From collectable dolls from Daniel Clowes' "Ghost World" comics to Suicide Girl photo books, and a huge rack of collectable and beautifully designed original concert posters -- there's something here that's bound to grab your attention.

Injecting the Fun Back into Art.

Art is supposed to be fun. It taps into the banks of creativity and imagination bringing our dreams to life. At Outre gallery, the artwork on display brings back that idea of fun-art.

Outre, pronounced ‘oo-trey’, is French for out of the ordinary and unusual. Owner Martin says this is what the gallery is all about. Martin has chosen pieces that are bright and loud, whimsical, witty and definitely far removed from the mainstream. Pop culture plays a huge influencing role so expect to see themes revolving around an eclectic mix of pop icons nicked from Disney cartoons, smoke and booze ads, Japanese monster movies and Marvel comics.

Liven up your living space with the cute demented Scarygirl by Australian illustrator, toy designer and storyteller, Nathan Jurevicius, and lose yourself in the psychedelic colours of his dreamlike compositions. Or make a statement with strong feminist posters by femme fatale punk singer/ artist Niagara. Outre is stocked with heaps of cool collectibles ranging from designer toys, ashtrays or Zippo lighters. Street art more your thing? Check out the graffiti mags on sale and get your spray paints out.

Get ready for two big exhibitions coming to Outre early next year - LA-based Japanese couple team Kozyndan whose art specializes in complex detailed humour and Josh ‘Shag’ Agle whose style circulates around flat perspectives with vivid colour.

If art appreciation has never been your thing, now is the time to reconsider. Fun, flirty and entertaining, Outre showcases only the best that contemporary art has to offer.