Shaun Tan: The Rules of Summer

The Rules of Summer is an exhibition from Australian artist, writer and film maker Shaun Tan, featuring original paintings made for the picture book of the same title. The exhibition explores the friendship of two young boys as it is challenged by difficult and irrational situations, each one a metaphor for familiar childhood experiences.

The story is little more than a list of mysterious rules, ‘Never step on a snail’, ‘Never leave the back door open overnight’ or ‘Never leave a red sock on the clothesline’. As each rule is broken – not always by accident – surprising consequences ensue, and audiences are invited to decide for themselves what is really happening and why. 

All ages