Infocus: with Sunday Salon founder Lily Mora
Image by Alice Acton
“ I still feel in awe of (and a little bit shocked by) what my body was capable of. Feeling empowered can definitely put you in a creative state, as suddenly the possibilities feel endless. ”
Third-generation gallerist Lily Mora is a formidable art curator, mother to Sonny (6 months), and founder of Sunday Salon. Sunday Salon is an online platform that champions emerging and established Australian artists, making art more accessible to broader audiences. Her business name is a gentle gesture to Sunday Reed, the famous Australian artist who started Heide Gallery with her late husband John Reed. Sunday is also my daughter's name; her name inspired by this great woman.
Lily has had quite an incredible career trajectory. The art world, for those who have ventured inwards, isn’t an easy path. She has spent the past five years overseas, immersing herself in London, where she has headed up senior roles at institutions such as the Tate and Sutton Agency London. Now back in her hometown Melbourne with her partner and newborn, she has finally created something that is hers. Lily’s history is embedded in the arts, her grandmother the iconic modernist artist Mirka Mora. In this read, we spoke to Lily about her business, creative openings and blockages and finding her feet in her new role as Sonny’s mum.
Image by Alice A cton
Congratulations on the launch of your own business. Can you tell us more about Sunday Sunday Salon (what it is and how it came to be)?
Sunday Salon is an online platform for emerging Australian artists and budding art collectors. Australia has some fantastic galleries that cater to well-seasoned collectors, but I felt there was a gap in the market for a platform that is designed for new buyers who are looking for good quality but affordably priced art. I wanted to create something that made buying art more accessible and simple. The pandemic afforded me the time to focus on getting the business up and running and I launched Sunday Salon in July 2020. Since then the business has grown and evolved. We now have one staff member and are about to open our new showroom in Northcote in a space shared with Coco Flip. I’m really excited to finally be able to show people the artworks in person.
Can you tell us about the first-ever piece you invested in and its significance?
The first piece of art I purchased was by Indigenous Australian artist Lydia Balbal. I was about 22 at the time and couldn’t afford it, but felt so deeply that I needed to own it that I got a credit card to be able to buy it. Not something I recommend! But it’s a beautiful piece, and reminds me of a specific time in my life.
Do you feel like creativity and matrescence are inextricably linked?
I think they can be linked. In my personal experience, I found childbirth to be really empowering. Growing and birthing a baby can make you feel as though you can do anything. I still feel in awe of (and a little bit shocked by) what my body was capable of. Feeling empowered can definitely put you in a creative state, as suddenly the possibilities feel endless. That said, I think matrescence can also be a hindrance to one’s creativity as you inevitably become sleep deprived and short on time. During my post-partum I felt buzzing with creative ideas for my work but lacking in the time or energy to bring them into fruition. I had a few great ideas during this period which I never wrote down and now can’t even remember what they were... It’s a strange time! I’m also aware that everyone experiences matrescence and childbirth differently and there are of course many factors that play into this. Not everyone will feel creative during this time. A lot of it is out of our control, so I’m very aware that I am lucky to have had a positive experience.
Image by Alice Acton
Three words to describe your birth.
Fast. Intense. Empowering.
Three words to describe your postpartum.
Joyful. Whirlwind. Sleepy.
You nurture and support your son every day. Who, or what supports you?
My partner. My family and friends. Walking. Reading. Good food.
In a few interviews I have read, you talk fondly of your childhood with your grandmother Mirka. Can you share a bit about what it was like growing up with her?
Mirka was always such an exciting person to be around as a child because she didn’t behave like other adults. She taught my brother and I to be naughty and to break rules. I have a lot of fond memories of being in restaurants with Mirka. She would usually end up under the table with us, and we would tie all the adults’ shoelaces together and plot other pranks. She also taught us to loosen the lids on salt shakers so that people would spill all the salt on their food. She loved to shock people. You never knew if she was going to face-plant her food or flash her tits. We absolutely loved it.
New traditions you would like to start as a new family.
When I was growing up we spent every summer in Ulladulla in NSW and the surrounding area - going to the beach, catching pipis, and exploring rockpools. It felt very special to take Sonny to this same part of the world and carry on this tradition for his first summer holiday.
The word mother means…
I’m only 6 months in so I think I am still figuring that out. But right now I would say the word mother means discovering new parts of yourself, having a great sense of purpose and the most incredible love.
For those who love and appreciate contemporary art, getting into the game can sometimes feel far-reaching. Do you have any advice for our readers?
It depends on what part of the industry you’d like to be involved in, but I would say go and see as many exhibitions as you can and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s also worth noting that there are many jobs in the industry outside of being an artist or a curator (my background is in art marketing). Sometimes it’s about finding the pathway in that best suits your skill set.
Follow Lily’s Journey here.