Science fiction may cast its eyes over the limitless futures of our planet and our universe, but it’s firmly rooted in the past. That’s the subject of a new exhibition at Science Gallery Melbourne, called SCI-FI: Mythologies Transformed, which traces the spiritual, literary, and cinema roots of science fiction to tell a new story of the genre. It’s been developed with the excellent ArtScience Museum in Singapore, and with a focus on elevating female and alternative voices, the exhibition produces a dreamlike series of fantastic, hypnotic installations to explore. It’s open now and is entirely free to visit, so here’s what to expect!
SCI-FI: Mythologies Transformed at Science Gallery Melbourne
After a successful launch in Singapore, this exhibition has made its Australian debut right here in Melbourne. Whilst the original exhibition focused on Eastern philosophy and its impact on modern sci-fi, this new exhibition has been expanded to include First Nations perspectives and influences.
In SCI-FI: Mythologies Transformed, you’ll encounter futuristic visions, dream worlds and more through a series of multidisciplinary artworks.
Highlights include:
- Miko No Inori – in this video work by Mariko Mori, you’ll see the artist as a priestess or otherworldly figure, performing a ritual and inviting you to travel between worlds. This piece acts as a bridge between our own early existence and a spiritual cosmos.
- Mountain (Shangri-La) – artist Patty Chang has created a mirrored mountain that can be rotated slowly to reflect light.
- Red Silk of Fate – The Shrine and Red Silk of Fate – Tamaki’s Crush – created by Sputniko! and Napp Studios, this installation draws on the East Asian myth that lovers destined to be together are connected by invisible red threads. This creation uses silk threads that contain oxytocin, a hormone that plays a role in feelings of love and attraction.
- Galactica V.2 Dharma Garden – this installation by The House of Natural Fiber combines Hindu philosophical motifs with science fiction elements.
- The Ways of Folding Space and Flying – this video installation by Moon Kyungwon and Jeon Joonho imagines a distant future, when much of the world is submerged in water. It questions the future of art and creativity in human civilisation.
- Mok Mok Murrup Yakuwa – this film installation by Paola Balla references the Wemba Wemba story of Mok Mok, a devil woman and sovereign goddess.
This intriguing exhibition is free to visit, and is open from Wednesday to Saturday, from 11am to 5pm. It will stay in town until May 31 in 2025. It will be closed over the University summer break, which is from December 15 to February 18.