Exclusive to Brisbane, the ‘Fairy Tales’ exhibition explores how fairy tales from across the world have held our fascination for centuries through art and culture by showcasing the way visual storytellers draw on these narratives to entrance, delight and disconcert audiences.

Bringing together artists, film makers and designers through painting, sculpture, drawing, installation, film and filmic elements, props, costumes, and fashion, the exhibition highlights the archetypal figures we know so well – wicked witches, stalwart princes and princesses, and magical animals, both fierce and friendly.

‘Fairy Tales’ explores prominent narrative themes; stories of children coming of age and ageing, the shifting role of gender and otherness, tales of bravery and justice, loyalty and humility, cunning and aspiration. In doing so it brings together well-known visual motifs of woods and trees, mirrors and blood, impossible shoes and clothing for royalty, castles and coaches, and at least one pumpkin.