Camille Serisier: The Wonderful Land of Oz

Overview

It may not boast a wizard or a yellow brick road, but the fact that this country is nicknamed 'Oz' is still rather wonderful — or is it? Brisbane artist Camille Serisier looks over the Australian landscape with a critical eye and an absurdist sense of humour, crafting a vision that goes far beyond the usual tourism destination shots.

The Wonderful Land of Oz plays with iconic images of fauna, flora and popular destinations, each intrinsically linked to the nation's identity. Serisier's work probes political, social and environmental issues, reflects upon her own experiences, and dissects national mythology.

In an exhibition comprised of tableaux vivants — living pictures — as well as a short film, another piece of cinematic history also proves influential. Creating a filmic homage to Georges Melies masterpiece Le Voyage dans la lune (A Trip to the Moon), Serisier crafts her fantastical depictions into a single story that tells of the land beneath our feet but reaches to the skies and beyond in its ambition.