Shaun Tan's The Lost Thing: From Book To Film
Based on the best-selling picture book, and Oscar®-winning short film, this exhibition explores how Shaun Tan adapted his unique graphic storytelling style into an animated film.
Following the book’s sequencing, the exhibition follows the story narrative through film clips, original artwork and objects, production images and interviews.
Set in a city overrun by bureaucracy, The Lost Thing tells the story of a boy who befriends a strange creature that doesn't appear to fit in any of the available pigeonholes. Working with Melbourne-based production company Passion Pictures Australia, see how Tan’s drawings are brought to life on screen with movement, sound effects, music and narration.
Curious about current shows available?
Email us: touringinfo@acmi.net.au
I'm absolutely delighted that this exhibition will travel to a wider audience, especially in regional areas. It's a further opportunity for people to see all the thinking and playfulness that goes on behind the scenes of a deceptively "short" film such as The Lost Thing, and production material that can be considered a creative work in its own right. I couldn't hope for a better presentation either, masterfully crafted by the team at ACMI in a way that's sure to fascinate adults and children equally.
The success of the exhibition was not only due to the quality of the book and film, artwork and filmed interviews, but also its unique design which encapsulated the exhibition premise, plus the full support supplied by the ACMI team and touring package
Tour schedule
Redcliffe City Art Gallery, Moreton Bay, QLD
28 Feb – 20 May 2015
Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Townsville, QLD
5 May – 2 July 2015
Rockhampton Art Gallery, Rockhampton, QLD
30 May – 12 Jul 2015
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, Bundaberg, QLD
14 Aug – 11 Oct 2015
Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, Lilydale, VIC
28 Nov – 14 Feb 2016
Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Maitland, NSW
5 Mar – 24 Apr 2016
New England Regional Art Museum, Armidale, NSW
6 May – 24 Jul 2016
Bunbury Regional Art Galleries, Bunbury, WA
6 Aug – 25 Sept 2016
Geraldton Regional Art Gallery, Geraldton, WA
7 Oct – 26 Nov 2016
Albury Library Museum, Albury, NSW
10 Dec 2016 – 22 Jan 2017
Cairns Art Gallery, Cairns, QLD
4 Feb – 16 April 2017
Fast facts
This exhibition tour has been assisted by the Australian Government's Visions of Australia program.
- 60-70 running metres / 150–200 sqm
- 60+ original artworks, storyboards, scripts, props and objects
- Behind the scene moving image, animation footage and interviews
- Includes all exhibition furniture, audio visual equipment, graphics, didactics and label text
In the press
Other resources
Shaun Tan's The Lost Thing: From book to film
Revisit the exhibition, which took place 16 July 2013 – 19 January 2014.
Shaun Tan’s The Lost Thing Learning Resource
Designed to give upper primary and secondary students an insight into the art of Shaun Tan through a focus on both the book and the film of The Lost Thing.
Contact us
Email us: touringinfo@acmi.net.au