A CAVERN of intrigue and secrets where you can’t necessarily trust your eyes – a wonderland where creation and artificial intelligence collide.

That’s the magical script for three ground-breaking mind-warping exhibitions set to star at the City of Coffs Harbour’s cutting edge Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM).

“This is the first time Modern Guru and the Path to Artificial Happiness has been exhibited in Australia and this version of the artwork was developed specially for the Coffs Harbour community,” City of Coffs Harbour City Planning and Communities Acting Director Ian Fitzgibbon said.

“Visitors will have to navigate past giant inflatable trees and animated stick insects before facing the Modern Guru. Take his photo and he’ll spit out a printed unique message just for you.”

Modern Guru, Electric Dreams and Serendipia will be on show at YAM from Saturday 24 August through to 10 November – and they are not to be missed.

“All three play with light and have been selected to mark the first year of our new cultural space as Yarrila is the Gumbaynggirr word for illuminate or brighten,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Electric Dreams is a maze of shape-shifting optical illusions while Serendipia is a combination of moving images and glow in the dark futuristic plant-like forms.

“Each visitor will have a unique experience as they move through the exhibitions and engage with the works,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“The exhibitions are accessible, interactive and for all ages – and will be free to experience.”

Throughout the exhibition period there will also be free family activities in The Workshop, starting with a glow in the dark artmaking session with artists Kathryn Cowen and Gareth Jenkins on Saturday 24 August from 10am to midday.

That same day visitors can join Nimrod Weis, the creator of Modern Guru, for a free talk at 1pm about the exhibition, AI and technology in art.

While ‘Super Saturday’ will mark the opening of the three exhibitions to the general public, a special opening event will be held from 6-8pm on Friday 23 August at YAM.

This will be a chance to meet the artists, with drinks available for purchase from the YAM Bar and a guest DJ in residence.