For millennia, stories have been the vehicles that humans depend upon to while away the hours, hide truths, soften, reassure, explain, warn, and scare. Sometimes, their narratives contain the keys that open doors to different rooms, different worlds not yet known, not yet understood—worlds brought to life by sharing what we know as fables and folklore.
Image of Simone Haag by Sarah Forgie. Feature artwork by Lilach Ben Sasson Mileikowski.
This exhibition invites viewers to journey through the timeless allure of folklore and fables, revealing how these narratives have evolved from ancient oral traditions to contemporary expressions that resonate in today’s digital age. The phrase “Once upon a time…” serves not just as an introduction but as a universal cue, reminding us to pause and engage with the depth of the stories that follow. Rooted in moral teachings and cultural significance, these tales have long served as a vital thread binding diverse cultures, offering insights into human existence, beliefs, and shared experiences.
In exploring the rich tapestry of folklore, the exhibition brings together a diverse collective of Australian makers. Their work, spanning sculpture, tapestry, furniture design, paintings, ceramics, weaving and lighting design, showcases the continual reinterpretation and adaptation of legendary narratives. Each medium expands the stories to reflect their timeless wisdom. The theatre of their telling is emphasised in an immersive approach to curation where the overlapping and layered composition of works cultivates an enlightening engagement with contemporary discourse. The fusion of traditional tales with modern contexts, technological innovations, and social conversations underscores the ongoing significance of storytelling as a means of understanding ourselves and our place in the world.
As modern creatives take on the mantle of storytellers, the responsibility of keeping the fabled flame alive lies within their hands. This exhibition serves as a celebration of that ongoing creative endeavour, illustrating how artists can discover new textures of enchantment in familiar tales. It reveals the boundless potential of storytelling as a tool for connection, adaptation, and reflection, ensuring that the enchanting realm of lore continues to be a vibrant part of our collective consciousness. Through this exploration, the exhibition invites all to engage with the narratives that shape our lives and offer glimpses into the joyful mysteries of the human experience.
