The Magical World of Misery

Artist Tanja McMillan (aka Misery) opens the doors to her quirky, offbeat creative world — from childhood mischief and time as a graffiti artist, to the rise of her art, fashion and toy empire. This documentary follows Misery as she reflects on leaving art school to carve her own path, juggling busy gallery shows, running her K’ Road boutique, and travelling to Taiwan to unveil her playfully zany toy designs at the Taipei Toy Festival. Mark Albiston directed the documentary for series Artsville, after featuring Misery on arts show The Living Room. The Magical World of Misery won Best Arts/Festival Documentary 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 McMillan on her art, Pavement, August 2003, page 16

Key Cast & Crew

Mark Albiston

Director, Producer

Verity Mackintosh

Production Manager