First Nations

The Powerhouse acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the ancestral homelands upon which our museums are situated. We respect their Elders, past, present and future and recognise their continuous connection to Country.

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Stories

Paul Bui– From Rave to Ballroom

Beautiful Freak in the Machine
Powerhouse x VIVID
Paul Bui is in centre frame wearing a crystal headpiece. There is a multicoloured swirling background.
Stories
Paul Bui– From Rave to Ballroom

‘I only wanted to work with marginalised figures who felt othered and had gone through the trials and tribulations to do amazing things.’
Paul Bui

Australian born, New York based creative director Paul Bui journeys from his roots as a rave kid, through influential roles at Oyster, Milk, The Face and Out Magazine to building Community Bread, a global music network - using his creative powers to amplify marginalised voices.

A purple, red, black, orange and pink rave poster reading ‘Prodigy Rave Paragon, New Years Eve, 9pm start’
Flyer promoting Prodigy Rave Paragon dance party, paper, maker unknown, Sydney.
Object No. 2016/22/1-359
People enjoying themselves in Rave in the center frame. There is a multicolored background.

Beautiful Freak in the Machine

This is a series of five short films telling stories of fashion, freedom and self-expression. Trailblazers share stories of personal bests and creative processes, colliding with layers of imagery from their bodies of work. These short films are for style fans and pop culture geeks, celebrating the outliers, the misfits and the spirit of creativity.

Presented by Vivid Ideas and Powerhouse

Featuring and interview direction: Paul Bui
Creative director: David Bonney
Creative producer: Anna May Kirk
Commissioning editors: Callum Cooper, Lisa Ffrench, Tory Loudon Production and cinematography: Velem
Producer: Cara Stewart
Editor: Yeoseop Yoon
Image research: Brittany Wyper

MORE

A model stands on the runway during the Australian Fashion Week 2022 Romance Was Born runway show. They wear a colourful floor length dress.

Romance Was Born x Bat for Lashes

Beautiful Freak in the Machine
Rhys Ripper and Nathan McGuire sit on a stage in the Powerhouse talking to one another.

Nathan McGuire x Rhys Ripper

Beautiful Freak in the Machine
On the left hand side is a purple bike, on the right hand side is a person wearing a purple shirt, black pants and olive coloured shoes making the shape of a telescope out of their hands.

Perks and Mini – Collaboration Mutation

Beautiful Freak in the Machine
Karen Walker wearing sunglasses, a beige trench coat and jeans walking on a hill.

Karen Walker – My Top 10 Misfits

Beautiful Freak in the Machine
Stories
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