Sabine is having a moment! She’s a conceptual artist and her new career-defining exhibition is set to open soon. But, as her gallerist says, “Hell is an artist three days before their exhibition opens.”
As the exhibition opening day approaches, Sabine’s anxiety transforms into a feral fear, leading to a series of strangely surreal events. Her life is further complicated by a mysterious and increasingly threatening stalker. Accompanied by her alter egos, including puppets of herself as a baby and the ghost of another artist she attempts to navigate her primal fears.
During this process she seeks validation from her husband who is a chef, her hordes of social media followers and even her stalker! As a conceptual artist, all of life, her emotions and relationships have the potential to become art…living nightmares included!
Ella Baxter crafts an intense exploration of female creativity and the tumultuous life of an artist on the brink. She explores themes of obsession, online performance, power and voyeurism. Ella also blends elements of satire with a haunting ghost story and a disturbing fever dream. Her portrayal of Sabine’s mental state, rage and the pressures of artistic creation are mesmerising. I was left unsettled and wondering what it truly means to be an artist! This is a must-read for those interested in an artist’s creative process and journey.
Ella Baxter is a writer and artist living on the unceded land of the Wurundjeri people. This is her second novel, following her debut, New Animal.
Follow Ella Baxter online
Reviewer: Andrea Molloy
Allen & Unwin