In a world of hard edges, how do we observe softness? On the inverse, how do we find a stable footing on soft surfaces?

‘Soft’ is at once grounding and unstable, in the ever-changing fleshy vessels that hold us (our own and of others), the porous boundaries between imaginary and visceral worlds, or the socio-political terrains that conceal slippages of shifting ground. Hardness is easily defined in its rigidity, oppression, and the absolute. Softness is more elusive: softness is slippery, subjective, and often taken for granted.

Softness is the methodology in this group exhibition of interdisciplinary practices, installation, moving image, video, film, and animation. Against harsh realities of personal and environmental disasters, or the unyielding grind of time, softness manifests itself as subversion, surrender and resistance. Tread gently at The Lock-Up and uncover softness through time-based practices. A soft space to stand includes works by Jamie Bastoli, Jasmine Miikika Craciun, Alysha Fewster, Friends with Computers, Fiona Lee, David Lobb, Ali Noble and Nicole Smede. Consider with us what it means to respond to the social, environmental and existential crises of living.

Soft Opening Party:
6pm, 13 December 2025
Entry by donation, limited capacity, bookings and early arrival encouraged

Spotlight Talks & Pocketbook Poetry | An evening with The Lock-Up’s Youth Advisory Panel:
5pm, 26 February 2026
Free event, limited capacity, bookings and early arrival encouraged

Panel Discussion | Collaborative Futures:
5.30pm, 1 May 2026
Free event, limited capacity, bookings and early arrival encouraged
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A soft space to stand is powered by Lūpa, a media player for art galleries. More information can be found at lupaplayer.com

This exhibition forms part of The Lock-Up’s 2026 curatorial season, A Call Across the Universe. Through sound, movement, image and encounter, artists and audiences are invited to tune in to new frequencies of understanding and exchange.

Catalogue: A soft space to stand