Magic and mystique brought to life

A DEBUT exhibition by a local artist will be opening at ArtSpace Ballarat this month.

Fever Moon by Fabienne Marguerite focuses on the magic and mystique of fairy tales and folklore, bringing her childhood visions to life.

“The exhibition is based on my long-held fascination with stories, poems and literature, particularly with fairy tales and folklore,” she said.

“In my works I’m returning to when you were younger, and someone would read a story to you and your imagination brings an image into your head.

“Historically the moon has represented the idea of otherness, something wide and uncontrollable, and also a sense of mystery.

“All the works in the exhibition have little moons dotted in them.”

Marguerite said she hopes the exhibition can be a form of escapism.

“I think that in today’s world as part of adult life there is a lot of stress and we get caught up in things especially with the pandemic and even the weather in Ballarat,” she said

“It’s nice to escape to somewhere different and my paintings provide a source of solace and comfort and encourage us to return to childlike qualities.”

Marguerite lives and works in Ballarat and was the recipient of the 2022 Norman Hoffmeier award for contemporary art.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting people who are able to resonate and connect with my work but I’m also looking to break into the art scene and establish myself as a painter,” she said.

“I’m a self-taught artist and I had a very creative childhood thanks to my mother who was also an artist.

“It’s where I find happiness, joy and comfort and it was important for me to peruse that.”

Fever moon opens at ArtSpace Ballarat on Saturday, 15 April.