Art Space show walks line between beauty & danger.

FOR multidisciplinary artist Annelise Serena Belladonna, art is a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery.

The 25-year-old founder of Atropa Studios’ first solo exhibition, Belladonna, is on at Art Space Ballarat until Sunday 11 May.

A milestone in her burgeoning career, Belladonna is thrilled by the opportunity to present a complete vision of her own from start to finish.

Aided by a big crowd on Ballarat Marathon day, she said the response has been wonderful.

“It’s humbling to see so many people connect with the work, each bringing their own interpretation and emotions into it which is exactly what I had hoped for,” she said.

“I’ve also provided a notebook for any comments and reflections from viewers and it has really touched many so deeply.”

A long-time Ballarat resident and first-year visual arts student at Federation University, Belladonna’s creative practice includes photography, gaming art, digital art, projection art and 3D media, including augmented reality and virtual reality.

She previously studied at the Academy of Interactive Entertainment.

Belladonna describes her art as deeply personal, raw and a celebration of her authentic self.

“The exhibition is inspired by transformation, perception and the fine line between beauty and danger. This is symbolised through the Belladonna plant,” she said.

“It invites the viewer to experience fragments of hallucination and self-discovery, blending traditional art with modern digital media in a way that’s intentionally imperfect and surreal.

“It’s exciting because it’s deeply personal – it’s a true reflection of my inner world without compromise.

“I feel like I’m speaking in my own language, rather than fitting into someone else’s expectations.”

The title of the exhibition carries plenty of significance and sentiment.

“Belladonna means both ‘beautiful woman’ and ‘deadly nightshade.’ It represents duality: beauty and poison or even, vulnerability and power,” Belladonna said.

“It mirrors my personal journey with change. Mourning the past and becoming something new.”

The exhibition features five major artworks with sculpted, organic frames – a few containing augmented reality elements.

On exhibition days, Belladonna can be seen creating more live artworks and even drawing ink portraits of visitors.

Art Space Ballarat opens from 11am to 4pm Wednesdays to Sundays.