An immersive installation exploring the embodied experience of insomnia and menopause through atmospheric art.
Wednesday 4 February 2026
to Sunday 19 April 2026
11:00am - 5:00pm
233 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia
Free
Step into a hauntingly beautiful installation by Heidi Holmes that delves into the physical and emotional symptoms of insomnia and hormone fluctuations. This evocative exhibit uses darkness, light, motion, and illuminated reflections to create a dreamlike atmosphere that captures the restless body’s disquiet.
Visitors will encounter site-specific artworks that explore themes of menopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause, alongside reflections on domestic space, medicine, ageing, and feminist theory. The experience is both intimate and thought-provoking, inviting contemplation on bodily experiences that often remain hidden.
Perfect for parents interested in contemporary art that connects deeply with lived experiences, this exhibition offers a unique sensory journey that resonates beyond the gallery walls.
The exhibition runs from Wednesday 4 February 2026 to Sunday 19 April 2026. Gallery opening hours are 11:00 to 17:00 Wednesday to Saturday, and 13:00 to 17:00 on Sundays. Admission is free, making it an accessible cultural outing for families.
Please note the installation includes floor-based works and low lighting, so visitors should take care when moving through the space. The exhibition is housed in the Middle Gallery of the Counihan Gallery.
Heidi Holmes’ work focuses on transforming internal bodily symptoms into material and atmospheric art, providing a powerful narrative on menopause and related experiences.
The exhibition is located at Counihan Gallery, 233 Sydney Road, inside Brunswick Town Hall, Brunswick. This central location is easily accessible by public transport.
The Sydney Road tram (Route 19) stops right outside the gallery at the Dawson Street and Sydney Road intersection (Stop 21). Jewell Station on the Upfield train line is just a 5-minute walk away.
Several bus routes (504, 506, 508, and 509) have stops on nearby streets off Sydney Road. For those requiring accessible transport options, detailed information is available on the Counihan Gallery’s Access and Inclusion page.
Visitors should be aware that the exhibition features low lighting and floor-based artworks, which may require careful navigation. It is recommended to wear suitable footwear and supervise children closely.
The gallery environment is designed to evoke the spectral quality of dreams and the sensations of a restless body, which may be intense for some visitors.
For accessibility details or specific needs, visitors can consult the Counihan Gallery’s Access and Inclusion resources to ensure a comfortable visit.
Admission to the exhibition is free, making it an ideal cultural outing for families looking to enrich their weekends without cost.
No booking is required, allowing for flexible visits during opening hours. Families can drop in any time between 11:00 and 17:00 Wednesday to Saturday, or 13:00 to 17:00 on Sundays.
For updates or further information, visitors can follow the Counihan Gallery on Instagram and Facebook or contact the gallery directly via phone or email.
