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Science Gallery Melbourne
Where art and science collide
THE NETWORK Atlanta Bengaluru London Melbourne Monterrey International

THE MONSTROUS FEMININE

Early science fiction films blended elements of horror with science, tapping into humanity’s collective fear of the unknown. In these films, women were almost always depicted as victims. The influential film studies scholar, Barbara Creed, coined the term “the Monstrous Feminine” to critique this portrayal of women in genre films, challenging the patriarchal and one-dimensional representation of women. Conversely, in popular Asian myth and folklore, the monstrous was often represented by female figures. Powerful women, or those who had been marginalised, were often portrayed as characters that transformed into fearsome creatures, going on to exact revenge.

This chapter of the exhibition inverts these narratives, positioning outlandish feminine characters as vigorous and empowered figures. The artists in this chapter aim to inspire a shift in perspective, paving the way for more authentic portrayals of women, allowing them to reclaim their stories and create new symbols of strength that can resonate across time and cultures.

RE-VISITING FOLKLORE
RE-VISITING FOLKLORE
Eloise Coomber31 July 2024
EX NILALANG: BALUD
EX NILALANG: BALUD
Eloise Coomber31 July 2024
SHE WHO SEES THE UNKNOWN: HUMA
SHE WHO SEES THE UNKNOWN: HUMA
Eloise Coomber31 July 2024
NAMAHAGE IN TOKYO
NAMAHAGE IN TOKYO
Eloise Coomber31 July 2024
MOK MOK MURRUP YAKUWA
MOK MOK MURRUP YAKUWA
Eloise Coomber31 July 2024

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We pay respect to Elders past and present of the Kulin Nation and acknowledge First Nations people as the first artists and scientists.

Science Gallery Melbourne is part of the Global Science Gallery Network pioneered by Trinity College Dublin.

Science Gallery Melbourne
The University of Melbourne,,
Parkville, VIC, 3010,
Australia
info@melbourne.sciencegallery.com
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ATLANTA BENGALURU LONDON MELBOURNE MONTERREY INTERNATIONAL