Former model promises to bring fun and big names back to Sydney arts with ART+

Days away from opening his Potts Point art gallery, former model and The Hills actor Jay Lyon reflects on how he has gotten to where he is today.

He’s arguably one of Australia’s most successful exports, however chances are you haven’t heard the name Jay Lyon for more than a decade.

Despite having been a part of successful band Tamarama, working as one of our top models, starring in global reality TV show The Hills, creating a successful production company, opening a popular meatball restaurant, and dating one of the world’s most famous models in Miranda Kerr, Lyon has opted to lay low in recent years in a bid to prove himself and let his work do the talking.

“I have been very intentional, especially the last five years,” Lyon told Saturday Confidential.

“I have wanted to be a little more low key.

“You have to build your reputation through actions. For me the last couple of years has been about positioning myself right, focusing on my relationships, and keeping my head down bum up.”

However Lyon’s name will no doubt pop up again this week when he opens his new art gallery ART+, which is tipped to be a game changer for the Sydney art world.

“I wanted to change the stigma around art and art galleries in Australia,” he said.

Jay Lyon at his art gallery ART + . Picture: Supplied

“I feel like all around the world, London, Paris, New York, LA, you go to these art shows and it is a big event.

“There is cool music, great food, entertainment, then you have the artists and the art which is fun and modern.

“We have great artists, but I feel like it still has this stuffiness about it. I want it to be fun.

“This gallery will be a community thing. It will add value to the Sydney art culture.”

Lyon has had a global career in art and fashion and now is bringing it all together with Art+ Gallery.

And proving just how respected the 39-year-old is in the art world is the fact he works with and will be showcasing some of the world’s most famous artists.

“I am working with some of the biggest names in the art world in multiple mediums including photography to pop art to modern contemporary works by artists like Douglas Kirkland, Helmut Newton, Terry O’Neill, Tyler Shields and Michael Moebius.

Jay Lyon once dated Miranda Kerr.

Lyon’s foray into the world of art hasn’t happened overnight.

With a career spanning fashion, music, entertainment, and creative direction, Lyon is bringing together his international network of artists, extensive personal experience, and specialised eye to Sydney’s local art landscape.

“Personally I have been working in art, fashion and entertainment for the best part of two decades,” he said.

“That whole part of my life (reality TV, modelling, music) has lead me to where I am now.

“Even when we were doing the show in 2010, I remember there was an episode set up about an art show we put on. That actually happened, that wasn’t staged.

“Having the network I have created, it has been a natural flow for me to be opening this gallery. It hasn’t been forced.”

“My background has given me so much knowledge and experience.”

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