NOT SO INNOCENT

Petrina Hicks’ photographic subjects exist somewhere between human and computer creation. In her new exhibition ‘The Descendants’ the animals that appear at first glance innocent and gentle later serve to unsettle us with an ambiguous presence. In Lambswool 2008 for instance (pictured), a young blonde subject, almost impossibly neat, embraces a wolfhound, which gently chews on her arm, making it an uneasy pairing.

What: The Descendants. When: Until 19 July. Where: Stills Gallery, 36 Gosbell St, Paddington, Sydney. More: www.stillsgallery.com.au 

NIN DOES MARLENE

French chanteuse Caroline Nin returns to Sydney Opera House to tell the story of her muse, Marlene Dietrich. Nin uses song, spoken word and archival images to capture the Dietrich persona, set against the backdrop of her anti-Nazi campaign during World War II. Her songs became the soundtrack to a world in turmoil, establishing new standards like ‘Lili Marleen’ and ‘Where Have All The Flowers Gone?’

What: Caroline Nin: Marlene. When: 25 June-4 July. Where: Studio @ Sydney Opera House. More: www.sydneyoperahouse.com

DARK ART

Angelique Houtkamp is an artist whose roots are in tattoo culture. Her new works evoke a world of sweethearts, broken hearts and wearing your heart on your sleeve. Love and darkness are always present in an uneasy duality throughout Houtkamp’s new body of work for Outré Gallery in Melbourne and Sydney. Think delicate sorrow, loving looks and painful nostalgia.

What: ‘Till Death Do Us Part’. When: 4-23 July (Melbourne); 10-27 July (Sydney). Where: Outre Gallery, 249 ELizabeth St, Melbourne & 13a Burton Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney. More: www.outregallery.com

FABULOUS TRANS NIGHT

Get ready for some old-school 1950s rockabilly at a new trans event in Brisbane. Transfabulous originated in London and brings together the trans and genderqueer community with diverse and themed events. “I loved that it was a space for a really diverse crowd of people who don’t normally hang out in the same places to come together and celebrate first and foremost trans people,” says organiser Ash Barnes.

What: Transfabulous. When: 6 July, 8pm-2am. Where: Ahimsa House, 26 Horan St, West End, Brisbane. More: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

SENDING A MESSAGE

The Message Sticks Film Festival returns to Sydney Opera House this month with a snapshot of Indigenous life in a post-apology world. 17 films showcase contemporary Indigenous documentary and shorts including the red carpet gala premiere of River of No Return (pictured). The ninth annual festival will ask some big questions about Indigenous Australia including: What should be celebrated? What still needs to be addressed? and Where to now?

What: Message Sticks Film Festival. When: 4-6 July. Where: Sydney Opera House. More: www.sydneyoperahouse.com

GO WEST

The first ever gay and lesbian dance party comes to Macarthur this month. Local all-girl band The Frocks (pictured) will play on the night as well as a DJ. Contemporary music will be played as well as tracks from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s and food is available before 10pm. Some of the night’s proceeds will be donated to Youth Suicide and a local animal shelter. Tickets are $16 and can be pre-booked or purchased on the night.

What: Out West. When: 4 July. Where: Sweeneys Function Centre, Lot 1, Campbelltown Rd, Ingleburn. More: Ph (02) 9618 5555.