The Samstag Museum of Art brings a concise selection of works by Fiona Tan to Adelaide. Centring upon the Australian premiere of Ascent, this is the first significant presentation of the artist’s work in our country in ten years.

Ascent is not only a reflection on Mount Fuji—a mountain of great significance to the Japanese—but also a study of its visual culture, and a tribute to the history of both photography and film. Tan spins a fictional narrative that shifts and bends the distinction between still and moving images. Resonating with the climb to the top of the mountain, the story alternates between narration and history, from Western imperialism to modern tourism, from the early days of photography to the present day.

Living and working in the Netherlands, Indonesian born and Australian raised artist Fiona Tan is widely regarded for her poetic meditations on representation, time and place. Skilfully crafted and ambitious in scope, Ascent is a work that draws upon Tan’s full range as an artist. Filling the Museum’s largest gallery, it is accompanied by a selection of recent works demonstrating her singular ability to create beautiful things that people can enjoy and think about.

A Samstag Museum of Art exhibition presented in association with the Adelaide Film Festival for OzAsia Festival, assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.

Catalogue essay by Sarinah Masukor.