The latest exhibition at ACMI, titled Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion, is pretty captivating. It sheds new light on how women have been portrayed on screen over the last 120 years, with a special nod to the Australian connection. The exhibition took five years to plan and is set to travel worldwide after its debut in Australia, curated by Bethan Johnson.
Teaming up with Geena Davis and her Institute on Gender in the Media was a brilliant choice for ACMI. Not only is Davis a legendary actress herself, but she’s also a leader in pushing for better representation in media. Her organization focuses on how gender, race, sexuality, age, disability, and body types are represented in films and TV.
A core idea behind both the exhibition and Davis’ mission is “You cannot be what you cannot see,” emphasizing the importance of representation. The exhibition is packed with movie clips, famous costumes, sketches, photos, posters, and even interactive elements where you can create your own “goddess” image to take home.
You’ll find all sorts of stars featured, from Marilyn Monroe and Pam Grier to Geena Davis herself, celebrated in iconic roles. But it also challenges you to rethink what being a “goddess” is all about.
The curators have drawn inspiration from Australia’s culture, which shapes not just the stories being told but how they’re presented. This vibe is set right from the moment you enter the exhibition, with soundscapes by Melbourne composer Chiara Kickdrum.
There’s a particularly moving section where you can see clips of stars candidly speaking about issues like sexism, racism, and ageism in the industry. First Nations filmmaker Leah Purcell, for instance, makes a powerful statement about truth-telling at the AACTA awards.
The exhibition also shines a light on lesser-known figures like “Fearless Nadia” (Mary Ann Evans), an Australian who became a stunt sensation in Bollywood during the 1930s. And let’s not forget Orry-Kelly, a costume designer from Australia who scored three Oscars; his work for Marilyn Monroe in Some Like It Hot is on display.
The accompanying book features a quote from Monroe revealing how she felt about being typecast: “I am tired of the same old sex roles. I want to do better things.” It’s a key part of the show, which reframes the “goddess” beyond the Hollywood stereotypes of bombshells and starlets.
Models like Winnie Harlow challenge conventional definitions of beauty, embracing individualism and imperfections. In fact, Harlow adds her own twist to Monroe’s iconic pink dress, inviting viewers to reevaluate notions of perfection.
The pressure on women in Hollywood to fit impossible beauty standards is critiqued through clips with actors like Olivia Colman and Helen Mirren. They advocate for embracing a more realistic view of women on screen.
The exhibition also touches on gender fluidity, women of color, and queer women, broadening the idea of what a goddess can be today. It makes a compelling argument for seeing women as individuals, not just as ideals or icons, urging us to examine our own biases in how identities are portrayed in media. It’s a powerful, thought-provoking experience you wouldn’t want to miss if you’re in Melbourne before October 1.