For those in the know, Melbourne-based interior decorator Simone Haag needs no introduction. Her designs play with layers and texture, and perhaps most notably, are always filled with interesting objects and art that tell a visual story.

It’s for this reason we’re not surprised — but very excited — to see her take on a new role; guest curator for Craft Victoria’s final main gallery exhibition of the year.

The show is the first in Craft’s new ‘Visionaries’ series — a showcase of what the future of Australian art, craft and design looks like through the lens of the country’s most influential creatives.

Titled ‘Fables & Folklore’, Simone’s exhibition delves into the narratives imbued in objects and artworks, celebrating our age-old fascination with storytelling and lore through new works by 36 Australian artists, makers and designers.

‘This collection highlights the enduring function of narratives in human culture — offering comfort, caution and insight — while emphasising craftsmanship, an essential aspect of Craft Victoria’s mission,’ explains Simone.

This ‘must-know’ line-up of creatives features both emerging and established artists, including a few TDF favourites; Camille Laddawan, Belinda Wiltshire, Caro Pattle, Annie Paxton, Jacqueline Stojanović and Claudia Bloxsome.

‘Furniture, art and object is the sole focus of my studio and I’ve had a longstanding relationship with Craft over that time. Whilst I have long been a curator of homes, I have very much enjoyed my exhibition debut. The process has been more playful, less permanent. It has been collaborative with the artists and enjoyable for my intuition to guide the process, without the permanence of a residential home,’ says Simone.

Fables & Folklore is open at Craft Victoria from Thursday November 14, 2024 – Saturday January 25, 2025.