HELD, currently showing at The Mill, is an intriguing exhibition presented by the SACE Visual Arts students at Youth Inc. They began with the prompt “something you can hold”, moving from the physicality of artworks contained within small boxes to more abstract interpretations of caring for, holding space, and emotional connections.

Sarah Keane, the artist-in-residence at Youth Inc., facilitated this exploration, guiding students to express these ideas through a range of forms. The exhibition contains written works, found objects, expanded painting, textiles and collage.

Stepping into HELD, visitors are immediately greeted by a striking collection of framed collages that sets the tone for the exhibition. With works matched to paint samples, the four 3D collages created by Avalon, Charlie, Jacob and Caitlin bring together mixed media in a way that feels both simple and playful, with their layered and tactile compositions echoing the exhibition’s theme.

Yellow, by Caitlin, is part of a collection of framed collages matched to paint samples.

The sense of ease inherent in these first works continues throughout the exhibition, making it accessible yet entertaining – a testament to the emerging artists who have contributed to HELD.

One particularly striking work is a photograph of a bus by Jay, titled See Differently. The gritty, street-style aesthetic stands in stark contrast to the colourful collages by the entrance, highlighting the uniqueness of the participating artists. A similarly strong photograph by the same artist, Malls Balls, hangs beside it. Both images evoke an authentic, unfiltered feeling, giving the viewer a glimpse into the way the artist sees the city.

Smoosh, a digital print of a charcoal drawing, is part of a series of three portraits by Poppy.

The exhibition doesn’t shy away from moodier, more reflective pieces, either. A triptych of works by Poppy introduces a sense of struggle and despair. The monochromatic tones of the emotional portraits – titled Smoosh, Looking at you, and Arabella – provide a counter-balance to the playful energy of the earlier pieces.

Among the 3D works, Clay Impressions, a series of shell-like shapes, are presented alongside printed words as multiple artists attempt to show what their emotions might look like. The Treasure I Carry, by Caspar, is a patchwork handbag that exudes a nostalgic charm, speaking to the idea of “holding” memories or histories within personal objects. This tactile approach resonates through many of the pieces in HELD, where objects are more than just things; they are carriers of personal and shared meaning.

The youthfulness of the artists is obvious in works like Marcel’s The Death of Amias, a butterfly painting accompanied by text. It feels moody, evocative, and reminiscent of a chapter title in an indie film based on a classic novel. Similarly, Taking off the Mask, by Jared, is literal in its depiction but reveals a raw vulnerability of an emerging artist finding their voice.

Another standout piece is Sarah’s WHY installation, a collage that integrates a world map layered with fabric patches, yarn, and painted elements. Its botanical themes offer a sense of fluidity and reflection, pushing the idea of “holding” into larger, worldly contexts. Equally captivating is Stitched in Time, a collaborative installation made with a large crochet blanket threaded with colourful portraits – intimate, textual, and visually captivating, it’s a testament to the power of traditional craft methods intertwined with contemporary art.

Sarah’s WHY (detail), mixed media on canvas. The installation also includes a painted wooden key and hanging knitted squares.

The exhibition opening was buzzing with excitement. Youth Inc. invited its vocational education students to handle the catering, which added to the community-driven feel of the event. It was a celebration not just of art, but of young people’s creativity and their ability to hold space in the art world.

Talent, openness and sense of playfulness have come together to make HELD a thought-provoking and joyfully experimental exhibition worth supporting.

A guest at the HELD exhibition opening at The Mill. Photo: Supplied

HELD is on display at The Mill until September 20.

Brooke Ferguson, an emerging visual artist and arts worker, is the 6th recipient of the Helpmann Academy InReview Mentorship. She is working with experienced visual arts writer Jane Llewellyn to write a series of articles for publication in InReview.