Welcome to the Dreamhouse

Abstract

Background: Welcome to the Dreamhouse (2018) is an exhibition that encompasses four photographs. These works explore the politics of kitsch and cute through discarded decorative consumer objects and their re-presentation through the photographic. By physically manipulating outdated ‘feminine’ childhood found and readymade objects, this series exposes the broader ideological intent of such modest commodities. Research contribution: Central to the work is a neoliberal assessment of the power and position of commercialised imagery and objects and the ability they have to manufacture and instil childhood narratives that ensure capitalist conformity and behaviours. The works contribution is a practice that utilises a nuanced approach to visual language and tone to reveal something more deceitful of the romanticised emotions and desires associated with the suburban dream. Research Significance: The work has been exhibited in three subsequent and curated exhibitions including one of the works being obtained for a group exhibition TRACE Brisbane (2019) that paired highly regarded and established Brisbane artists with emerging local artists, a group exhibition at M.Contemporary Sydney (2019), as well as another large-scale exhibition at Onespace Brisbane (2021). This exhibition was recognised by Australian Art Guide as one of the top 5 exhibitions in Australia in its first week of opening.