Artist statement: These ambrotype photographs on black glass were made through an alchemical darkroom process. They depict the interior tunnels and serpentine track-work of the Ghost Train at Luna Park. I first took this ‘dark ride’ as a girl visiting from the country, experiencing the thrilling terror of being swallowed in darkness.

Built in 1912, this ‘pleasure kingdom’ has captivated many artists including Albert Tucker, Joy Hester and Clarice Beckett. Their paintings depicted Luna Park as a fun and magical amusement but also as a repository for the darker emotions in an atmosphere of carnal sexuality and moral decay.

I have sought to explore this co-existence of the fantastical and nightmarish, through my own memory of childhood enchantment and awakening consciousness.

janeburton.com.au