SCI-FI: Mythologies Transformed offers fresh insights on science fiction, a genre built on envisioning alternative futures and imaginary realms. The lines connecting science fiction with ancient philosophy and mythologies are brought to light through the work of Asian and First Nations women artists and collectives.

The exhibition weaves together narratives found in Western science fiction literature and cinema with ideas inherent in Eastern spiritual traditions that have evolved over centuries and millennia. Adopting Western science fiction paradigms, such as parallel worlds and interdimensional travel, as a starting point, SCI-FI explores science fiction’s possible roots in Asian philosophy and spirituality. Themes such as hybridity, mysticism, transcendence and other-wordly utopias, which are found in both fields, seem to point to cultural traditions in Asia. Shown in Australia for the first time, this narrative is expanded to incorporate First Nations perspectives and knowledges. 

As diverse voices gain prominence, the traditionally male-dominated genre of science fiction is slowly evolving. Moving seamlessly between ancient mythologies, contemporary art, books and post-modern cinema, SCI-FI elevates women and alternative voices, celebrating the dream worlds, futuristic visions and fantastical realities of artists calling for a more inclusive future.

Entry is free. Open Wednesday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm
3 Aug 2024 – 31 May 2025

Closed over the University summer break: 15 Dec 2024 – 18 Feb 2025

SCI-FI: Mythologies Transformed presented at Science Gallery Melbourne is a co-production developed in collaboration between ArtScience Museum and Science Gallery Melbourne. The original version New Eden: Science Fiction Mythologies Transformed was developed and first exhibited at ArtScience Museum in Singapore (21 Oct 2023 – 3 Mar 2024).

EXPLORE THE CHAPTERS

  • Gail Chin and Joel Chin with Adrian George, Honor Harger, Tilly Boleyn and Bern Hall. 

  • Morehshin Allahyari, Paola Balla, Lynda Barry, Cao Fei, Patty Chang, Kara Chin, Chok Si Xuan, Club Ate, Claire G. Coleman, Debbie Ding, Fei Yining, Gridthiya Gaweewong, Shilpa Gupta, Mel Huang, Etsuko Ichihara, Corin Ileto, Tristan Jalleh, Joy Li, Monica Lim, Xin Liu, Mindy Meng Wang, Moon and Jeon, Mariko Mori, Nguyen Trinh Thi, Jen Rae, Sputniko!, Astria Suparak, The House of Natural Fiber, Saya Woolfalk.  

  • Prof Barbara Creed, Dr Shiqiu Liu, Dr Mykaela Saunders and Dr Jessica Yu. 

  • Sibling, Forde + Nicol, Napp Studios

  • Affinity Fire Engineering, Event Engineering, Flys Alone Painting, Get Rigged, Image Box, Reveal Productions, Rightside Creative Solutions, Steve Watson & Partners, Studio Tops, Synthesis Synthesis Design + Build.  

  • Tilly Boleyn, Fred Chuang, Jack Farley, Bern Hall, Hannah Miller, Meg Taylor, Lucy Willet. 

Header credit: Detail, video excerpt, Miko No Inori (1996) by Mariko Mori (JP) Image courtesy Mariko Mori

STUDENT PODCASTS

University of Melbourne students explore alternative futures and imaginary realms in the audio stories inspired by the exhibition.