Perfectly Imperfect V2.0
Mel Alderton
9 December 2026 – 6 January 2027
A life beyond the perfect picture
A flower doesn’t stop being beautiful when its petals begin to fall. Neither does a life when it becomes complicated.
Perfectly Imperfect V2.0 brings the floral photography of Bribie Island artist Mel Alderton, The Shipwrecked Photographer, to Obsidian Bide this December. Soft light, translucent petals and curling forms invite a closer look at beauty, vulnerability and change.
The series began with a young mother’s passing comment: “It’s not like it is on Instagram.” Mel carried that thought into a body of work that questions the polished versions of life we see on social media. Developed in 2021 during grief, trauma, depression and COVID lockdowns, Perfectly Imperfect became a way to explore the distance between how life appears and how it feels.
Poppies offered a visual language for that experience. Their delicacy is apparent in full bloom, but their falling and curling petals reveal texture, depth and beauty of a different kind. V2.0 continues Mel’s enquiry into grief as something that changes, returns and moves in waves, alongside her exploration of photographic presentation and print surfaces.
Take your time with the images. You don’t need a background in photography—or a personal story to share—to find your own way into the work.
Visit the exhibition
9 December 2026–6 January 2027
Shop 9, 9 Toorbul Street, Bongaree, Bribie Island QLD 4507
Regular hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–2pm, with extended hours for the events below.
Closed Friday 25 December 2026 and Friday 1 January 2027.
Opening event
Sunday 13 December 2026 | 2–4pm
Join us at the gallery to celebrate Perfectly Imperfect V2.0 and discover Mel’s photographic work.
Free artist talk
Saturday 19 December 2026 | 2–3pm | All welcome
Mel will discuss her process, techniques and the personal journey of grief behind the series. Hear how the work developed and how photographic choices help her communicate experiences that can be difficult to put into words.
Plan a visit to the exhibition and make time for Bongaree’s waterfront, cafes and nearby jetty.
Enquiries: hello@obsidianbideartgalleryandstudio.com.au
