Exhibitions' Opening Night | Ladder Art Space, Melbourne

Reach — Anastasia Jackson Through striking images of the natural world, this exhibition explores scale, wonder and our relationship with the environment. Jackson captures the beauty of landscapes and natural forms, inviting viewers to rediscover the awe of encountering the world beyond a screen. From the smallest creatures to monumental natural structures, the works encourage curiosity, imagination and a deeper appreciation of our planet. The exhibition is a reminder of the value of direct experience and the inspiration that comes from exploring the world around us. The Way I See It — Micro Karen Through abstract painting, this exhibition explores the subtle emotional landscapes that shape our relationships with ourselves, others and the environments we inhabit. Karen translates quiet observations and lingering experiences into expressive compositions of colour, texture and form. Emerging from moments of solitude and reflection, the works capture feelings that often resist verbal expression. Each painting becomes an emotional trace of the artist's engagement with the world, inviting viewers to consider their own memories, perceptions and inner experiences. Progress in Art — Behzad Hadziahmetovic, Altijana Mostic and Olgica Mostic Through a diverse collection of paintings and mixed media works, this exhibition reflects on cultural identity, resilience and the emotional journeys of artists from the former Yugoslavia. Building on their previous exhibition in 2018, the artists share new perspectives shaped by personal experience, displacement and growth. Bringing together varied techniques and individual artistic voices, the works celebrate Slavic culture and community while exploring the capacity of art to express change, restore connection and inspire hope. The exhibition honours the enduring strength of the human spirit and the possibility of finding harmony through creativity.