Over the last few decades, we have seen the capabilities of animatronics in film thrive. This includes standout works such as the animals in 1995 feature film Babe to a range of realistic creations (representing humans, animals and monsters) which have appeared in hundreds if not thousands of films over the years. Starting today and running until June 12th, Gold Coast City Gallery (which is attached to The Arts Centre Gold Coast) are holding an exhibition known as How to Make a Monster: The Art and Technology of Animatronics. Not only does this take up all three sections of the gallery, but will also feature a range of monster and creature FX themed workshops, master classes, after-hour tours, expert panels, movie marathons and more which children and adults alike can take advantage of and enjoy.
How to Make a Monster: The Art and Technology of Animatronics is something a little bit different for the Gold Coast City Gallery. Not only has it taken over every nook of the gallery, but it is also their very first paid exhibition. That being said, entry is only $5.00, and may very well provide some interesting learning opportunities. There are also a range of educational opportunities available for teachers, with more information for educators available HERE.
But you don’t have to be a student to take advantage of many of the events on offer. Sculpting enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up to Richard Mueck’s Monster Sculpture School 8 – 6 April. Aimed at artists working in the medium, or those interested to learn, Richard Mueck will be hosting a series of intensive sculpting classes for 18+ participants making film-grade action figures, prosthetics, masks and casts, giving industry tips and knowledge to continue the practice at home.
More mature monster-lovers are invited to a number of panel discussions after-hours. Monsters After Dark delves into contemporary monster culture with guest speaker Dr Laini Burton from Griffith University, Queensland College of Art exploring Lady Gaga’s self-fashioned persona ‘Mother Monster’; and film industry experts relate their experiences with digital versus analogue creature FX featuring Richard Mueck, digital artist from X-Men and Scooby Doo Marc Purnell and creator of the How to Make a Monster exhibition, John Cox. Each panel is then followed by a feature film on the Arts Theatre big-screen including Ex Machina and Mad Max – Fury Road.
Other Monster-xperts presenting workshops and other events include Marco Sinigalia (George of the Jungle 2, Scooby Doo, Peter Pan), Richard Mueck (Nim’s Island, Where the Wild Things Are), Ethan Cox (Stop-motion film creator) and Jason Haggerty (Local digital projection artist). For more information on the public program events on offer, visit the official event website.
Madeline Boyd | Project Officer
Over the Easter School Holidays, children aged 6-14 years can choose from four different ‘Get Your Monster On Workshops’ jam packed with monster-making activities. Whether they favour Mermaid Monsters, Robot Monsters, Movie Monsters or Arty Monsters, children can learn about the art and technology of animatronics through making, tinkering and imagining. Working with local film industry creatives, known as ‘monster-xperts’, visitors of all ages can play and learn with sculpture and prosthetics, digital projection, stop motion movie making, movement performance and more, adapting the skills to continue to create at home.
As I am not a gallery reviewer / art critic, I will not be writing an overall review of this exhibition. However I was in attendance at its opening evening last night, and must say I was pleased with what was on offer, and would be tempted to attend some of the workshops.
How to Make a Monster will be held at Gold Coast City Gallery from now until June 12th. General entry tickets are $5.00 each, however some associated events may only be accessible for an additional charge (or alternatively, completely free).
