Things To Do

GOMA’s New Fairy Tale Exhibition Features A Magical, Twisted Woodland

By Lilyana van Twest
5th Dec 2023

Once upon a time, in a land (not-so) far away, a fantastical and entrancing exhibition came to the Gallery of Modern Art. Fascinated visitors from far and wide came to delve into the allure of their favourite fairy tales and live their childhood dreams. 

Ok, ok, we’ll spell it out for you: A magical exhibition has landed exclusively at GOMA, and we’re here to give you all the details. The exhibition, Fairy Tales, is a blockbuster summer edition for GOMA and has finally opened its doors after months of anticipation. Whether it’s through an enchanted forest or a pumpkin that’s full of potential, the exhibition will transport you to the land of fairy tales and make you feel like you’re living in one. 

Featuring work from leading international and Australian artists including Yayoi Kusama, Jana Sterbak, Kiki Smith, Patricia Piccinni, Abdul Adullah, Ron Mueck and Charles Blackman, there are paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations, props, costumes, and filmic elements that explore the archetypal figures of charming princes, beautiful princesses, magical animals, and wicked witches. But one of the highlights is definitely the spectacular transformation of the gallery into a gnarled and twisted woodland by Brazilian artist Henrique Oliveira. 

Artworks also explore prominent narrative themes such as bravery, loyalty and coming of age through visuals of woods and trees, mirrors and blood, castles and coaches—basically everything you’d expect to find in a classic fairytale. There's even a few iconically recognisable costumes and movie props—Mirror Mirror fans unite.

Tickets are $28 for adults and $10 for kids, with family passes available—get all the details here.

The Details 

When: 2 December 2023–28 April 2024 
Where: GOMA, South Brisbane 
More information can be found here

Looking for something else to do this December? Explore Roma Street Parkland’s Enchanted Gardens

Image credit: Ranyhyn Laine

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