The Museum of Australian Photography in Melbourne is hosting the exhibition Snakes and Mirrors by renowned Australian artist Petrina Hicks from 23 November 2024 to 16 February 2025. In this captivating body of work, Hicks invites viewers to explore complex themes surrounding female identity, mythology, and the intimate connection between humans and animals.
Hicks is widely celebrated for her striking photography, which blends elements of magical realism with mythological references to create large-scale images that challenge the viewer’s perception of the human experience. In Snakes and Mirrors, Hicks continues her exploration of the porous boundaries between human and animal states. Through her lens, she uncovers the nuanced and often symbolic relationships between animals and females, using these pairings to delve into the psyche and identity of her subjects.
The exhibition’s central theme revolves around the self-awareness of animals and humanity’s innate desire to understand animal consciousness from a human perspective. Hicks uses animals as metaphors to explore the complexity of female identity, examining both the sentience of animals and the vulnerability and strength of women. The works in Snakes and Mirrors push the viewer to reconsider the divide between human and animal, suggesting that both are more interconnected than we often realise.
In Memento Mori II (2024), one of the key works in the exhibition, Hicks juxtaposes symbolism of death with themes of transformation and renewal. Drawing on historical artistic traditions and contemporary sensibilities, this photograph highlights the cyclical nature of life and the fluidity of identity. The presence of snakes—symbols of death and rebirth—adds depth to the exploration of mortality and personal metamorphosis.
Hicks’ use of animal imagery speaks to the broader cultural significance of the human-animal relationship. By placing these creatures alongside her human subjects, Hicks not only questions the nature of self-awareness but also reflects on the role of mythology in shaping our understanding of life and death. The title Snakes and Mirrors itself suggests a self-reflective process, with the snake—an ancient symbol of transformation and renewal—acting as a mirror to both our physical and psychological selves.
Curated by Anouska Phizacklea, Director of MAPh, this exhibition offers a striking fusion of visual storytelling and philosophical inquiry. Hicks’ ability to merge magical realism with contemporary issues makes Snakes and Mirrors a thought-provoking and visually compelling experience that will resonate with viewers long after they leave the gallery.
This exhibition is supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, reinforcing the importance of Hicks’ work in the broader conversation about art, identity, and mythology in contemporary Australian culture.
- Exhibition Details: Snakes and Mirrors
- 23 November 2024 – 16 February 2025
- Museum of Australian Photography, Melbourne
- Curated by Anouska Phizacklea
