The Magical World of Misery

Artist Tanja Thompson, aka Misery, joins her Mum Rochelle to take a magical tour of Tanja's life — from childhood and time as a graffiti artist, to the rise of her art, fashion and toy empire. In the second excerpt, Misery leaves her boutique next to Illicit Clothing in K' Road, and visits the Taipei Toy Festival to unveil her 3D characters. She also shows us animated footage inspired by them. Mark Albiston made the documentary for arts slot Artsville, after featuring Misery on his own arts show The Living Room. It won Best Arts/Festival Documentary award at the 2006 Qantas TV awards.

I have painted these types of images since I was little. It's just a part of who I am and what I find humorous. I love portraying my quirky visions and playing on people's insecurities. I think that's often why they're accepted by quite a range of different people. We can all look at them and find a little part of us.

– Tanja Thompson on her art, Pavement, August 2003, page 16

Key Cast & Crew

Mark Albiston

Director, Producer