Celebrating the groundbreaking and critically acclaimed Indigenous superhero series, ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) presents the world premiere of Cleverman: The Exhibition, currently on display until 22 April 2019.
Cleverman stormed onto Australian screens in 2016 as a dystopian sci-fi series with a difference. With 90% Indigenous cast and crew, the series placed First Nations origin stories in a contemporary context, with political nuance touching on themes of class, racism and power.
Exploring Aboriginal storytelling, language and creativity in production design, costumes and props, this free exhibition invites audiences to listen-first and immerse themselves in a powerful and contemporary expression of The Dreaming.
From a concept by producer Ryan Griffen and production designed by Jacob Nash, Cleverman is the first Indigenous superhero story that presents First Nations culture in a contemporary and politically charged environment.
“Cleverman started out as a story for my son, a hero for him to look up to and connect with his culture at the same time,” said Griffen. “It’s been great to work with so many amazing creators across both cast and crew that make the series what it is, and to see the concept grow from a pitch to a tv series, comic book and now an exhibition.”
The series is about two brothers at war over the inheritance of the Cleverman mantle as tensions build in the city and the Hairy people become increasingly disenfranchised. The ACMI exhibition highlights the Cleverman development process. Creators spent years in consultation with the community and Aboriginal Elders about the cultural and spiritual content.
“Cleverman presents origin stories in a sci-fi setting, a near-future laced with political themes that ring true today,” said ACMI Director and CEO Katrina Sedgwick. “We jumped at the opportunity to present an exhibition with a behind-the-scenes look into the craft, special effects and making-of details of a remarkable example of the talent and richness of Indigenous Australian TV and screen culture.”
Cleverman: The Exhibition
Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), Federation Square, Melbourne
Exhibition continues to 22 April 2019
Free entry
For more information, visit: www.acmi.net.au for details.
Image: courtesy of Goalpost Pictures & Pukeko Pictures Production