About

‘Inner and Outer Space’ includes a range of films that use the genre of abstract cinema to visually express that which exists beyond the limits of traditional representation. From the furthest reaches of space to the darkest recesses of the mind, this selection of films delves into abstract perceptions of inside and outside worlds.

Please note: Patrons, especially those sensitive to flickering and strobe light sources, are advised that some of these films contain flashing light effects.

The Dante Quartet 1987

An intentionally silent film, The Dante Quartet by iconic American experimental filmmaker Stan Brakhage is inspired by a life-long fascination with Dante’s 14th century narrative poem about the afterlife The Divine Comedy. Made over six years, the filmmaker hand-painted directly on to film stock, crating an intimate response to Dante’s description of Hell, Purgatory and Heaven. The vivid colours and painterly brushstrokes dance on screen with hues reminiscent of a stained glass widow and similarly like a window, evokes the feeling that it might be possible to look through the image and spy what lies beyond.

8 minutes | All Ages

Palindrome 1969

"The menacing latin palindrome 'In Girvm Imvs Nocte Et Consvmimvr Igni' (By night we go (down) into a gyre/and we are consumed by fire) serves as epigraph to this animated film. Anima is imparted to 12 variations on each of 40 congruent phrases, metamorphosed from the chemically mutilated flesh of color film itself." Hollis Frampton.

"Hollis, clearly this one of your greatest films! Absolute perfection." – Stan Brakhage.

22 minutes | All Ages

Space Time Structures 1977

German-born Australian Jonas Balsaitis uses both painting and filmmaking to examine the conceptual and perceptual parameters of abstract artforms. Space Time Structures combines animated drawings with music by Asher Bilu, Mike Brown and John Mathews to analyse space and time.

33 minutes | All Ages