Spotlight Q&A: Sara Buchner on curating We Can Work It Out at Sydney Street Gallery

Marrickville-based artist and maker Sara Buchner is curating We Can Work It Out, a group exhibition at Sydney Street Gallery presented in partnership with the Inner West Creative Network (IWCN). The show invites artists and audiences to explore where art and mathematics meet, with this year’s focus on the Fibonacci sequence: spirals, growth, rhythm, proportion.

What prompted a group show?
“After doing a solo show earlier this year, I knew a group exhibition was the way forward; shared costs, more exposure, and real opportunities for fellow artists, especially local makers. I love creating a platform where we can lift each other up and bring new audiences into the room.”

How did the partnership with Sydney Street Gallery and IWCN come about?
“Since the gallery opened, I’ve wanted to showcase it to our local community. Before one of the IWCN networking events, I sat down with Cathie Griffin, who runs the gallery. We brainstormed possible themes and realised we could combine a group show with a bold, accessible concept; then bring it to life in partnership with IWCN.”

Where did the maths inspiration come from?
“I’m dating a high-school maths teacher, so maths is part of my daily life! I also share his frustration that maths gets pigeonholed as nerdy, strictly academic, or ‘too hard.’ I actually enjoy maths and science; I just never loved exams. What I do love is when maths is explained or shown in a fun, interactive, creative way. The whole ‘left brain vs right brain’ thing is a myth; art and maths can absolutely inspire each other.”

Why the Fibonacci sequence as the theme?
“During an artist residency in Aotearoa New Zealand in January, I listened to lots of podcasts, Radiolab is a favourite, and one episode on ‘growth’ dove into Fibonacci: the patterns, the history, the weird and wonderful examples. My creative brain lit up instantly. And I’ve noticed when you say ‘maths,’ some folks glaze over, but say ‘Fibonacci’ and their eyes brighten: spirals, plants, shells, growth! It’s a bridge concept that wakes up the imagination.”

What do you hope artists and audiences take away?
“Permission to play with patterns and structures, and to see maths as a living, visual language. I want people to leave thinking, ‘I didn’t expect to love a show about maths, but now I can’t stop seeing these patterns everywhere.’ Let maths inspire art; let art explain maths.”

What makes this show “Inner West”?
“Community. Collaboration. Accessibility. It’s about local artists sharing ideas, experimenting, and welcoming new audiences into a gallery that feels grounded in our creative neighbourhood.”

How can artists get involved or stay in the loop?

“Keep an eye on IWCN and Sydney Street Gallery updates for full details. The theme is intentionally broad—any medium that explores pattern, growth, proportion or rhythm fits. If Fibonacci sparks an idea, you’re halfway there.”