Beautiful Freak in the Machine transforms the Powerhouse into a 3D magazine, telling stories of fashion, freedom and self-expression. A night for style fans and pop culture geeks, with short films, talks, music and live performance celebrating the outliers, the misfits and the spirit of creativity.
Featuring New Zealand fashion icon Karen Walker, Perks & Mini, Romance Was Born and Bat for Lashes, New York creative director Paul Bui, fashion powerhouse and Yorta Yorta man Rhys Ripper and model, designer and activist Nathan McGuire. Keynote talks by Glynis Traill-Nash, fashion editor of The Australian, and queer photographic artist Gerwyn Davies. The hyper work of photographer Byron Spencer infiltrates the space, while the night is soundtracked by cult DJs Annabelle Gaspar and Lorna Clarkson and dancers roam the space.
Curated by stylist and creative director David Bonney, with a bar and curator lead tours of Robert Rosen: Glitterati, it’s a dress up, turn up, must do night out for Vivid Sydney.
Proudly presented by Vivid Ideas and Powerhouse.
VISUALS
| 5–9pm | Sydney fashion house Romance Was Born speak with performer Bat for Lashes, weaving threads of friendship, music and inspiration through their collaborations |
| 5–9pm | Rave-inspired New York based creative director Paul Bui takes a deep dive into his fashion, community and music projects elevating the voices of queer people of colour |
| 5–9pm | New Zealand fashion designer Karen Walker talks us through her top 10 misfits in fashion from an Egyptian philosopher to a civil right activist, a classical pianist and a jazz star |
| 5–9pm | Psychedelic Melbourne designers Perks & Mini interview one another on their fluid and feeling-fueled creative process |
| 5–9pm | Stylist and Creative Director Rhys Ripper discusses Indigenous design and visibility with model and activist Nathan McGuire |
| 5–9pm | Byron Spencer saturates the senses with a hyper digital installation, collaging his practice as a photographer, musician and artist |
TALK
| 7pm | Glynis Traill-Nash, fashion editor of The Australian, gives a live keynote talk, From Ratbags to Royalty, on the evolution of Sydney style |
| 8:00pm | Queer photographic artist and costume designer Gerwyn Davies talks with Creative Director David Bonney about the work and influence of 80s club kid turned fashion legend Leigh Bowery |
| 6:30-7:30pm | Stages live podcast recording. Peter Eyres interviews Carmen Pavlovic, producer of Global Creatures. Pre-registrations required here. |
DJ
| 5–9pm | DJs Annabelle Gaspar and Lorna Clarkson soundtrack the evening |
| 5–9pm | Music curated by FBi Radio featuring Patamon |
PERFORMANCE
| 5–9pm | Dancers Ally Clarke and Billy Keohavong roam the museum wearing the hottest young Australian designers |
POWERHOUSE MAP
FREE event as part of Vivid Ideas x Powerhouse Late. No bookings required.
Over three nights, we celebrate what makes Sydney unique: the artists who push boundaries, the creative leaders who build community, and our city’s distinct diversity and queer history.
Read about the COVID Safe measures we’ve put in place to keep everyone safe when visiting the museum here.
Find accessibility information here or contact Bookings for access support on +61 (02) 9217 0222 or via email book@maas.museum.
Tickets
Individuals: Free entry, no bookings required.
Schools and Groups: please follow this link to arrange your visit or submit a booking form. If you need further information please contact our bookings team on (02) 9217 2222.
Find more information here about the measures we’ve put in place to keep everyone safe.
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Plan Your Experience
All the information you need to plan your visit is available on the Powerhouse Museum venue page, including:
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