Brisbane town’s QAGOMA is showcasing international photographer Cindy Sherman with an exhibition being shown outside of New York for the first time, staying open and up late with Melbourne’s Mojo Juju performing alongside to heighten the mood. 

The exhibition includes fifty large scale works with Sherman enacting various female clichés broken into six important series – Clowns, Society Portraits, Film Series, alongside collaborations with Chanel and Balenciaga. Guests were engaged by the immaculate, detailed imagery and Sherman’s stylised recreation of extreme popular culture. Some guests were in similar costumes (although I didn’t see any clowns… darn it!) enjoying selfies in front of both the intimate and massive imagery on display. 

It was a great mix, and something special to see before Mojo Juju, though unfortunately we couldn’t enjoy our drinks while walking around the exhibition itself. There were some light snacks also available for those keen for some extra nourishment. 

Mojo Juju and her cut back three piece band hit the stage around 8:30pm, overlooking the beautiful Brisbane River and city skyline. Their set was well suited to the surrounds and mixed audience, blending a variety of tempos and styles to create a great atmosphere. Mojo played a lot of her old stuff, some new, and a few golden covers like Psycho. The relaxed and stylised sound produced by the drummer, a double bass sax, guitar, and vocals, were perfect for the location and thoroughly enjoyed by the big turnout.

After seeing Mojo Juju at QAGOMA, I can’t wait to see what some of remaining special artists will bring to the space on coming Friday nights.

- Ian Prideaux