2threads.com

There’s always a sense of drama about Melbourne-based photo-artist Samantha Everton’s exhibitions and her latest body of work, Vintage Dolls, doesn’t disappoint. Opening at the Dickerson Gallery Melbourne on Wednesday 4 March 2009, and featuring a total of 12 works, the images capture a series of surreal adult-themed moments expressed from a child’s fantastical perspective; from eras of a time gone by to cultural, racial and social differences.

“I was inspired by the innocent act of children playing dress ups and the way they re-enact adult behaviour, concepts and themes, without preconceptions or judgement,” Samantha Everton says.

In Vintage Dolls, the images give physical reality to a child’s fantasy of adult life and discussion. “I wanted to present a child’s perspective about adult subject matter, particularly race and culture, much of which came about because of the personal discovery of my own upbringing in a multicultural family,” she adds.

While the pictures suggest a chance encounter between camera and the moment captured, the reality comes together because of the intricate choreography of imaginative concept, lighting, mood, costume, setting and artist/s. Samantha spends endless days and months gathering all the elements needed to create these theatrical works; from finding a decrepit house that she could manipulate and semi-demolish, to costumes and props, to a living tree and a friends black cat.

Samantha Everton: Vintage Dolls
Dickerson Gallery Melbourne
4-22 March 2009 (Tues-Sat 11am-6pm Sun by appointment) 
44 Oxford Street, Collingwood, 03 9416 0031, www.dickersongallery.com.au