'Fairy Tales' Up Late

The most magical place in Brisbane right now is the Gallery of Modern Art, where the venue's massive Fairy Tales exhibition is filling the walls and halls until late April. Fancy wandering through an indoor woodland? Saying "dance magic dance" to a costume that David Bowie wore in Labyrinth? Stepping inside huts, peeking into mirrors, spying otherworldly creatures and peering at gorgeous gowns, too? It's all on offer here all day, every day — and, on two dates only in March, for two nights.

Falling down the rabbit hole that is GOMA's exhibitions usually means not only scoping out its pieces while the sun is shining, but getting a couple of chances to party inside the gallery — and surrounded by stunning art — after dark. That's the Up Late format, and it's back for Fairy Tales, taking place on Friday, March 15–Saturday, March 16.

Accordingly, when you get a glimpse of chariots, glass slippers, pieces by Yayoi Kusama and Patricia Piccinini, and more — including wandering through the site-specific installation by Henrique Oliveira, with the Brazilian artist has transformed the exhibition's first room into a stunning gnarled and twisted forest that you won't want to leave — you can do so by evening and with a drink in your hand. Your ticket includes access to the exhibition, live tunes and other entertainment. You will need to pay extra for anything you're keen to eat or sip, however.

On the Friday, ZZADE, Elizabeth, Maple Glider and DJ Hol Hibbo are on the bill. Come Saturday, attendees can enjoy Auslan-interpreted performances by Methyl Ethyl and Tjaka, as well as DJ Aunty Stan on the decks. Both nights will feature Once Upon a Chime, aka Patience Hodgson, Joel Woods and Lake Kelly, singing fairy tale-inspired tunes — plus A Villain's Tale, which is told by a misunderstood villain; a drop-in workshop where you'll create a self-portrait while giving yourself animal attributes; and a photobooth with whimsical props.

In addition to all of the above, there'll be multiple spots to grab a bite and drink around the place, including at the GOMA Bistro and Bacchus Wine Room.

Fairy Tales also includes a film program called Fairy Tales Cinema: Truth, Power and Enchantment, which is weaving its screening of Spanish silent film Blancanieves into the Up Late lineup as well.

Images: Sarah Ward // Henrique Oliveira, Brazil b.1973 / Corupira 2023, commissioned for 'Fairy Tales', installation (detail), Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) Brisbane 2023 / Plywood, tapumes veneer and tree branches / Courtesy: Henrique Oliveira / © Henrique Oliveira / Photograph: C Callistemon © QAGOMA.