Frequently asked questions
Answers about buying art from Orten Contemporary, a Melbourne gallery of abstract Australian landscape art: delivery, pickup, shipping, the artists and the Art Salon.
About the gallery
What is Orten Contemporary?
Orten Contemporary is a Melbourne art gallery specialising in abstract Australian landscape art. It sells original paintings, prints and works on paper online at ortencontemporary.com.au and shows work in person at private Art Salon exhibitions.
Where is Orten Contemporary based?
Orten Contemporary is based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The gallery sells online and holds its exhibitions in private homes rather than a public shopfront, so viewings and pickups are arranged by appointment.
What kind of art does Orten Contemporary sell?
Orten Contemporary sells contemporary abstract art inspired by the Australian landscape and the built environment. The collection includes large oil paintings on linen, etchings and aquatints, gouache and watercolour works on paper, and textile art, with prices from about $500 to $6,900 AUD.
Which artists does Orten Contemporary represent?
Orten Contemporary currently shows three Australian artists: painter John Waller, printmaker Cat Poljski and multidisciplinary artist Clare Bell. Each artist has their own collection in the shop.
Buying art
How do I buy an artwork from Orten Contemporary?
You can buy any artwork directly from the Orten Contemporary online shop: choose the work, add it to your cart and pay at checkout. If you'd like to see a work in person or ask a question first, email kym@ortencontemporary.com.au.
Are the artworks originals?
Yes. Every painting, work on paper and textile piece at Orten Contemporary is an original, one-of-a-kind work. Prints are unique-state etchings or limited editions, and each listing says which.
Do artworks come with a certificate of authenticity?
Yes. Every artwork bought from Orten Contemporary comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Are the artworks framed?
Most works at Orten Contemporary are sold framed and ready to hang. The exceptions are noted on each listing, including works on canvas and some smaller works on paper.
What currency are prices in?
All prices at Orten Contemporary are in Australian dollars (AUD).
What payment methods does Orten Contemporary accept?
Orten Contemporary accepts all major credit cards through its secure Squarespace checkout, which uses SSL encryption. Payment is taken when you place your order online.
What is Orten Contemporary's returns policy?
Orten Contemporary accepts returns within 14 days of delivery, provided the artwork is in its original condition. The buyer pays return shipping; email kym@ortencontemporary.com.au to arrange a return.
Can I see an artwork in person before buying?
Yes. Orten Contemporary can arrange a private viewing in Melbourne by appointment, and works are also shown at the gallery's Art Salon exhibitions. Email kym@ortencontemporary.com.au to arrange a time.
Delivery, pickup and shipping
Does Orten Contemporary deliver in Melbourne?
Yes. Orten Contemporary offers free delivery to inner Melbourne, including the CBD, East Melbourne, Carlton, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Richmond, South Yarra, Toorak, Prahran, St Kilda, South Melbourne, Albert Park and Port Melbourne. Choose “Free delivery – inner Melbourne” at checkout.
Can I pick up my artwork?
Yes. Free pickup in inner Melbourne is available on every artwork. After you order, Orten Contemporary emails you to arrange a pickup time and confirm the address.
Does Orten Contemporary ship interstate or overseas?
Yes. Orten Contemporary ships artworks anywhere in Australia and internationally. Shipping is quoted after purchase: you pay $0 at checkout, then receive a courier quote for your address before the work is sent.
How are artworks packed?
Orten Contemporary artworks are professionally packed and insured for transit. Email Kym at kym@ortencontemporary.com.au to discuss the best packing and delivery option for your artwork.
The artists
Who is John Waller?
John Waller is an Australian abstract landscape painter, born in Mildura and raised in the Mallee, who builds large oil-on-linen paintings by trowelling, scraping and layering pigment. A Glover Prize finalist in 2021, his work is held by Artbank, Mildura Arts Centre, Shepparton Art Gallery and La Trobe University. See John Waller’s paintings.
Who is Cat Poljski?
Cat Poljski is a Melbourne printmaker whose etchings and aquatints combine buildings from cities including Melbourne, New York, Beijing, London and Munich. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from Monash University and has held residencies in Beijing, Brooklyn and at the Australian Tapestry Workshop. See Cat Poljski’s prints.
Who is Clare Bell?
Clare Bell is a Melbourne-born artist whose gouache, watercolour, drawing and textile works explore the relationship between nature, emotions, culture and society. A former actor and NIDA graduate, she began making art in the 1970s and now works from King Island and Macedon. See Clare Bell’s works.
Can I commission a work from one of the artists?
Yes. Orten Contemporary can arrange commissions with its artists for a specific size, colour or space. Email kym@ortencontemporary.com.au with your brief.
Art Salon
What is the Orten Contemporary Art Salon?
The Art Salon is Orten Contemporary’s private exhibition series, held in a Melbourne home rather than a white-walled gallery. Visitors see new and recent work at home scale, in natural light, and can meet the artists.
When is the next Art Salon?
Art Salon 1 runs from 20 to 22 November 2026 at a private address in East Melbourne. It features John Waller, Cat Poljski and Clare Bell. The next Art Salon is planned for winter 2027.
How do I attend an Art Salon?
Entry to the Art Salon is by invitation and places are limited. Register your interest on the Art Salon page and Orten Contemporary will send the address and details.
For designers, hotels and businesses
Does Orten Contemporary work with interior designers?
Yes. Orten Contemporary works with interior designers and stylists to select original Australian art for homes and projects. The gallery can put together a curated set across painting, printmaking and works on paper to suit a room or a whole project.
Can businesses and hotels buy or lease art from Orten Contemporary?
Yes. Orten Contemporary supplies original artwork to hotels, hospitality venues and businesses in Australia and Southeast Asia, including art selection, commissions and leasing. Email kym@ortencontemporary.com.au to discuss a project.