Madame Firefly Ed. 1 of 50

In "Madame Firefly," I offer a spirited reinterpretation of the Orientalist narratives pervasive in classic operas like "Madame Butterfly" and "The Mikado."

Madame Firefly is not a passive, exotic figure but a powerful performer who commands attention and respect. She's not held back by old traditions or other people's ideas about her. She's a firework, lighting up the sky and catching everyone's attention. Set against a vivid, carnivalesque backdrop that oversaturates the norms of classic opera with bright and colourful kitsch.

With her magic tobacco pipe, Madame Firefly stands tall as a fiery, self-determined marvel. Captivating garudas and mink-clad socialites, Eastern and Western elements converge, not in a hierarchy but in a vibrant, dynamic exchange. All watching Madame Firefly scorch the atmosphere — igniting a playful revolt against the constraints that once shackled her.

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ABOUT ME
Born in Sydney, I spent my childhood surrounded by artists, oddballs and academics. They taught me to question everything. Respectfully and without fear.

Twenty-two countries and four continents later, I can find home anywhere with WiFi and a hearty chunk of intrigue. It's because of them, and I'm forever grateful.

ABOUT MY ART
It's All Just A Little Bit Of History Remixing...

We imagine history into existence every day. Shaping the world around us as we go. And I remake histories with every piece. From a motley crew of tales tall and true. A melange of myths, signs and symbols. Every one ripe for my kitsch confections, which could all be legends one day...

Every piece I create is true. Sourced from truth and grounded by it. But never real. Reality's a fiction we're all subscribed to, which doesn't make it any less true. And that's the thing about the truth. Or the past. It moves in both directions. Myriad, in fact. Never sitting still or doing as it's told. Forever questioned, dissected, reframed and upended. Queered and inverted. Packaged and performed. Told, retold, adapted then sold. Evolving like everything else. Which is why I like to think my art exists outside of time. Reaching for infinity instead of reality. A kaleidoscope of mish-mashed truths that are only ever as surreal as we choose to make them...
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Toby Leon