'Once upon a time' is a spectacular new exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia, showcasing the life's work of the renowned artist, Patricia Piccinini. The exhibition is unique to Adelaide. Patricia Piccinini is known nationally and internationally for her fantastical, sensational and sometimes controversial works, which explore themes of geneticengineering, bio-science and technology. Curated by Jane Messenger, 'Once upon a time' presents Piccinini's unsettling, fairytale vision where the lines are blurred between human, animal and machine; art science and technology; past, present and future. Comprising sixty-five works created over the artist's fifteen year career, 'Once upon a time' is the largest and most comprehensive exhibition of this influential Australian artist ever staged. On display are many of Piccinini's startlingly life-like fantasy creatures as well as poignant contemporary sculpture, photographs, video and drawings, inspired by the great European artistic traditions. Patricia Piccinini has also created new works especially for this exhibition, which are being revealed for the first time. A special feature of the exhibition is 'The Lab': a hands-on, interactive space within the display where children can create their own creatures inspired by Piccinini's art.