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Credits:Natalya Hughes Fabric design (detail) from The Interior 2022. Courtesy the artist.
Can we use the talking cure to solve society's 'problem' with women? The Interior invites audiences into an exaggerated consultation room, playfully furnished for psychoanalysis. Natalya Hughes's immersive installation – combining sculptural seating, richly patterned soft furnishings, and uncanny objets d'art, nestled around a hand-painted mural – generates a stimulating space to unpack our collective and unconscious biases.
Interested in the role of women and their historical absence from positions of power, Hughes's part-professional, part-domestic setting plays with gendered power dynamics between public and private spaces. The bespoke couches that dot the gallery take their lush contours from the shapes of the female body, while motifs of eyes, rats, and snakes from Freud's patient case studies ripple over their detailed upholstery.
Audiences are invited to recline and be enveloped, soothed and held, by the furniture's womanly forms, while taking turns playing analyst and patient. Throughout this bodily encounter, The Interior offers a space where women can be reimagined on different terms in a post-# MeToo world.
The Interior is a travelling exhibition organised by the Institute of Modern Art (IMA) and toured by Museums & Galleries Queensland.
The Interior has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body; the Australia Council's Contemporary Touring initiative; The Queensland Government through Arts Queensland; the Fini Artist Fellowship through the Sheila Foundation; Queensland College of Art, Griffith University; Creative Art Research Institute, Griffith University; and Porter's Paints, New Farm.
Natalya Hughes is represented by Milani Gallery, Brisbane, and Sullivan+Strumpf, Sydney.
This exhibition is presented in an art gallery environment, indoor location.
Audience members can choose the duration of their experience, we suggest you allow 45 mins to 1 hour.
There is some seating available in the gallery.
This experience is suitable for all ages and abilities.
A heads up — photography and filming may take place during Horizon events for promotional use. If you’d prefer not to be in any of the shots, please chat to one of our Horizon staff on the day.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Accessible for hard of hearing
- Language no barrier
- Gender neutral toilets
- Registered guide and assistance dogs are welcome
We strive to ensure our programs and events are inclusive and accessible to everyone. If you have any accessibility requirements, including Auslan Interpreters, mobility assistance, hearing support, or other accommodations, please contact our team at [email protected].
By car
Paid parking is available in the UniSC carparks.
By public transport
Sunbus runs regular bus services between various Sunshine Coast locations and the University's campus at Sippy Downs. The UniSC Transit Centre includes a three-platform bus interchange and dedicated bus/pedestrian link directly from the University into Chancellor Park.
Information on Sunbus routes and timetables can be found on the TransLink Journey Planner website. Use the journey planner to find times and services that suit you.
Horizon Festival acknowledgements
Presented by UniSC Art Gallery. UniSC is a Program Partner of Horizon Festival 2026.
