
Notes from an Earlier Sky by internationally acclaimed New York-based, Sydney-born Australian artist Jessica Rankin, is her first commercial gallery exhibition in Sydney. This exhibition coincides with her participation in The Intelligence of Painting at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney opening March 20, 2025.
Rankin has exhibited internationally at renowned venues such as MoMA PS1 in New York and recently at the Palazzo Grassi in Venice.
In Notes from an Earlier Sky, Jessica Rankin unveils an exciting new body of work, featuring a stunning series of delicately embroidered paintings on linen, alongside a captivating collection of hand-embroidered works on paper. Rankin’s intricate paintings weave together words, memory, and landscape, creating multi-layered narratives that draw inspiration from topographical, cosmological, and psychological realms.
Rankin’s work explores time and memory through a deeply personal lens, often referencing the poetry of her mother and Poet (Jennifer Rankin), while seamlessly bridging the past and present in an ornate exploration of memory, identity, and place. This exhibition marks a significant return to the city of her birth, Sydney, reconnecting with her personal and artistic origins that shape her journey.
Jessica Rankin was born in 1971 in Sydney, Australia and lives and works in New York. Selected Solo and duo exhibitions include, White Cube Hong Kong (2024); Carlier | Gebauer, Berlin (2023) White Cube Paris (2022); White Cube Bermondsey, London (2021); Touchstones Rochdale, UK (2017); Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens, Deurle, Belgium (2016); Salon 94, New York (2014); Savannah College of Art and Design, Atlanta (2013); The Project, New York (2009); MoMA PS1, New York (2006); and Franklin Artworks, Minneapolis (2005).
Group exhibitions include Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney (2025), Palazzo Grassi, Venice, Italy (2024); The Uptown Triennial, New York (2017); Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester, UK (2015); Fie Myles, New York (2011); Jenkins Johnson Gallery, San Francisco (2011); The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York (2006); The Project, Los Angeles (2005); and Artist’s Space, New York (2003).
Jessica Rankin explores time and memory through a deeply personal lens, often referencing the poetry of her mother and poet (Jennifer Rankin), while seamlessly bridging the past and present in an ornate exploration of memory, identity, and place. Selected solo and duo exhibitions include White Cube Hong Kong (2024); Carlier | Gebauer, Berlin (2023); White Cube Paris (2022); White Cube Bermondsey, London (2021); Touchstones Rochdale, UK (2017); Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens, Deurle, Belgium (2016); Salon 94, New York (2014); Savannah College of Art and Design, Atlanta (2013); The Project, New York (2009); MoMA PS1, New York (2006); and Franklin Artworks, Minneapolis (2005). Group exhibitions include the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney (2025), Palazzo Grassi, Venice, Italy (2024); The Uptown Triennial, New York (2017); Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester, UK (2015); Fie Myles, New York (2011); Jenkins Johnson Gallery, San Francisco (2011); The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York (2006); The Project, Los Angeles (2005); and Artist’s Space, New York (2003).


CASSANDRA BIRD is a contemporary art gallery with spaces in Sydney and Paris. Working across Australia and Europe, the gallery represents artists whose practices engage with critical, material, historical, and cultural questions, situating their work within broader institutional and transnational contexts, and building sustained connections between practices, histories, and audiences. The gallery draws on deep experience across contemporary art sectors in Asia, Europe, and North America, which shapes a considered approach to working with artists, one focused on long-term development, meaningful institutional relationships, and thoughtful placement. Across its two locations, CASSANDRA BIRD connects artists, institutions, and collections, maintaining a genuine commitment to the artists it represents and the longer arcs of their careers.

A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services