From the inimitable eye and mind of Stavroula Adameitis, aka Frida Las Vegas, Australianarama is a riotous and reverent guide to all things kitsch. Where else but Australia could you devour a rainbow Paddle Pop in the shade of the Big Lobster, while wearing a koala knit jumper and listening to the soundtrack from Priscilla, Queen of the Desert? Shrug off the cultural cringe; Australia’s love for the weird and wonderful is something to celebrate. In Australianarama, artist and designer Stavroula Adameitis brings to life the good and the so-bad-it’s-good of decades past with playful commentary, colourful illustrations and archival photography. Full of nuance and nostalgia, the book covers everything from objectionable objects to spiffy structures, Expo 88 to the Sydney Olympic ceremony, including interviews with Australia’s kitschiest icons like Katherine Sabbath, Art Simone and Tony Albert along the way. It’s an encyclopedia for all Australians – send it straight to the pool room.
