Fairytale Fantoms

This exhibition brings together a collection of acrylic paintings rooted in illustrative storytelling and folklore-inspired imagery.

Drawing from the visual language of children’s storybooks, the work explores imagination, symbolism and emotional depth through richly detailed characters and narrative scenes.

Sonia Garyayev’s (BFA '24, Drawing) paintings reflect an ongoing practice centred on rethinking children’s illustration. Rather than simplifying childhood into innocence alone, the work approaches children as emotionally and psychologically complex individuals — capable of resilience, curiosity, introspection and transformation.

Poster design by Michelle Mah (BDes '25, VCD).