Melbourne artist Libby Haines is known for her ability to turn everyday moments into something magical.

Her latest exhibition, Reverie, reflects on the state of the world around her, imagining a softer, more hopeful alternative centred on community, connection and care for the land.

‘Reverie was about dreaming of a better world, about community, love, caring for the land and others,’ Libby explains. ‘I want it to feel like you are slipping into a dream-like place, a utopia.’

Over eight months, Libby created 20 paintings for the exhibition, using her famous Instagram releases to experiment with texture and colour combinations along the way.

‘My favourite part always is when the oils hit the canvas — the process is almost sculptural for me; I apply paint thick and liberally,’ she says.

For Libby, the process of creating Reverie felt different. ‘Sometimes working on a large body of work can be quite painstaking and it can really consume me in a negative way. But this show really oozed out of me, I feel I could have painted 20 more when I was finished,’ Libby says.

While a handful of works retain her familiar still-life style, abundant scenes of nature and togetherness take centre stage.

‘Working on more landscapes in this show meant there was an element of experiment in the way I portrayed nature,’ Libby explains. ‘I would let instinct take over rather than have a set plan on how I would create the textures of plants and trees. I think that’s what I enjoyed so much about it. The process was very freeing.’

The new direction has resonated with Libby’s following, with all but three of the 20 paintings already sold through a pre-sale release.

Opening this weekend at Brunswick’s Honey Bones Gallery, Reverie will offer an immersive experience, complete with a floral installation and edible art inspired by the works.

For the exhibition, Libby has also partnered with Sisters Inside, donating 10 per cent of all painting sales to the Aboriginal-led organisation, which supports criminalised women, girls and children both in and out of prison through court assistance, housing and family support.

‘As someone living and profiting on stolen land, it’s important to give back,’ she says.

Ultimately, Reverie comes from a place of love — and a desire to hold onto hope.

‘I think it is very easy to give into despair when the world feels so dark, and I really don’t want to do that,’ Libby says. ‘I want to keep fighting and believing that things can be better and people can do better.’

Reverie is open this weekend (September 11th-13th) at Brunswick’s Honey Bones Gallery, with all paintings available as limited-edition fine art prints and a small number available for purchase!