Artist Dylan Grgic opens his first exhibition: Orbits and Echoes

In the heart of Murray Bridge, the Ability Café has been transformed into something extraordinary: a portal to other worlds.

Local artist Dylan Grgic is preparing to launch his very first art exhibition, Orbits and Echoes, a vibrant, imaginative journey through space and planets.

The exhibition will open at noon this Friday, July 4, at the Ability Café, at 4/5 Seventh Street.

Grgic's work captures the imaginations of many, an interesting and motivated artist, his perspective is as unique as the cosmos he paints.

His pieces shimmer with colour, texture, and feeling, but it’s the stories behind them that make them unforgettable.

When asked what inspired him to begin painting space scenes, his eyes lit up.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the quiet mystery of space,” Grgic said.

“As a kid, I used to lie on my back and imagine stories behind each star.

"Painting planets feels like I’m creating little worlds of my own — a way to dream out loud.”

Dream he does, the collection includes colourful swirling gas giants, glimmering asteroid belts, and silent planets that seem to hum with hidden tales.

Among them, one piece stands out for him: the flooded planet.

“It’s hard to pick a favourite, there are so many,” he admitted with a smile.

“But I do enjoy discussing the flooded planet, where you can almost see Hawaii underwater on the planet.

"A lot of the pieces are surrounded by space junk: old satellites, bolts and lost toys.

"It’s fun, but a little sad too.

"I like how it shows a mix of wonder and mess we leave behind, even in space.”

That thoughtful balance of fantasy and sadness runs through all of Grgic’s work.

Each piece invites the viewer to explore not just what’s out there, but what lies
within us - our memories, our impact, and our curiosity.

The exhibition is not only a celebration of Grgic’s talent but also a result of heartfelt community collaboration.

Organised through a partnership between Genuine Support Services Australia and Alchemy Services, the show is hosted at the Ability Café.

The cafe is an inclusive community venue that supports people of all abilities in gaining work experience and growing their confidence in a welcoming, skill-building environment.

The Ability Café runs these exhibitions regularly.

"We believe that everyone should have a platform to share their voice," a staff member explained.

"Dylan’s voice happens to be one of stardust and imagination.”

As the final pieces are adjusted and the gallery lighting glows just right, Grgic
remains calm and curious about how people will respond to his work.

“I hope they’ll take up a paintbrush and start painting and exploring,” he said.

“In some ways, I hope they feel small in a good way, like when you look up at the stars – remember, there’s so much out there.

"Maybe they’ll think a little bit about what we carry with us, and what we leave behind.”

As the exhibition opens, visitors will be stepping into more than just an art show.

They’ll be stepping into Grgic’s mind - a place where science fiction meets self-
expression.

Where a young artist’s dreams take shape in stars, stories, and splashes of paint.

Don’t miss the chance to experience Dylan Grgic’s incredible universe, where every orbit tells a story, and every echo calls us to wonder.

• See the exhibition: Attend the opening at 12pm on Friday, July 4 and/or visit the Ability Café at 4/5 Seventh Street, Murray Bridge.