Go behind-the-scenes as we install ‘Fairy Tales’

Wed 22 Nov 2023

Fairy tales transport us to faraway lands that exist out of time. In much-loved and endlessly retold stories overflowing with kings and queens, castles and carriages, feasts and riches, we find adventure, community, happiness and love.

Go behind-the-scenes at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) for a sneak peek before the ‘Fairy Tales’ exhibition unfolds across three themed chapters. ‘Into the Woods’ explores the conventions and characters of traditional fairy tales alongside their contemporary retellings. ‘Through the Looking Glass’ presents newer tales of parallel worlds that are filled with unexpected ideas and paths. ‘Ever After’ brings together classic and current tales to celebrate aspirations, challenge convention and forge new directions. Let the journey begin . . .

RELATED: Journey through the ‘Fairy Tales’ exhibition with our weekly series

Gorgeous gowns

What is a fairy tale without a gorgeous gown or two or more? Conservators Michael Marendy and Elizabeth Thompson are weaving their magic behind-the-scenes, here they are preparing the support for the wedding dress from Mirror Mirror (2012) ready for the grand unveiling of lavish costumes and film props.

Surreal landscapes

Forests and fields are one of the most common fairy tale settings, a magical realm outside of our normal experience. We’re finalising Patricia Piccinini’s otherworldly installation — Celestial Field 2021 — a canopy of nearly 3000 ‘genetically modified’ blooms, forming an inverted garden in the sky sheltering a collection of fragile creatures beneath.

Enchanting forests

Brazilian sculptor Henrique Oliveira is in Brisbane transforming the ‘Fairy Tale’ entrance into a gnarled and twisted woodland. Corupira 2023 incorporates found tree branches, sustainably sourced plywood and strips of tapumes veneer salvaged from construction sites in Brazil. You will definitely be stepping into the woods with this installation.

Wild Things

Many furred creatures inhabit the world of fairy tales, a highlight of the ‘Fairy Tale’ exhibition includes Maurice Sendak’s iconic images from his 1963 book Where the Wild Things Are and costumes by the Jim Henson Creature Shop for the 2009 film adaptation. Here, conservator Michael Marendy is making final adjustments to the display.

Golden coaches

A horse drawn gilded carriage is synonymous with the world of fairy tales — it’s the chosen mode of transport for any princess. For those who love magic, fantasy, and happy endings, this sumptuous stagecoach created from crystalised rock sugar by Timothy Horn is a must-see. Conservator Elizabeth Thompson is checking all is well with the delicate artwork before the opening.

Witches

Witches abound in fairy tales, they commonly live far away from towns and villages, self-sufficient, they rarely choose to live with others, their home often enchanted is filled with magical objects, ancient knowledge and power. Sculptor, painter and filmmaker Trulee Hall is in Brisbane installing the wonderfully theatrical jet-black and precariously constructed Witch House (Umbilical Coven) 2023.

Other worlds

Now installed and on view in the Gallery’s foyer are 15 works from contemporary American and Spanish artists Walter Martin and Paloma Muñoz’s ongoing ‘Travelers’ series of snow globes, each contains a unique but disorienting tale devised by the artists. These mesmerising snow globes will captivate you.

The ‘Fairy Tales’ exhibition is at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Australia from 2 December 2023 until 28 April 2024.

‘Fairy Tales Cinema: Truth, Power and Enchantment‘ presented in conjunction with GOMA’s blockbuster summer exhibition screens at the Australian Cinémathèque, GOMA from 2 December 2023 until 28 April 2024.

The major publication ‘Fairy Tales in Art and Film’ available at the QAGOMA Store and online explores how fairy tales have held our fascination for centuries through art and culture.

Elliott Murray is Senior Digital Marketing Officer, QAGOMA