Proudly presented by The Torch, 'Confined 16' is a powerful new exhibition featuring 400 artworks by 400 First Nations artists whose work resonates with connection to Country, Ancestors and culture - whilst also speaking to the enduring strength of identity and community.
Alongside a salon hang of paintings, Confined 16 will showcase weavings created during women's circles, didgeridoos made from matchsticks, carved emu eggs illuminated by light as well as hand-tufted rugs.
The artworks and accompanying artist stories explore themes of darkness, light and the balance between struggle and resilience, confinement and freedom.
On display at the Glen Eira City Council Gallery and online from the 23rd of May to 22nd of June 2025, the new exhibition is set to engage both online and in-person viewers.
C.Keller, Wambaya people, A Journey Starts with a Single Step 2024, acrylic on canvas, 199 x 188 cm. Courtesy of the artist. (Image: supplied)
Having provided a dedicated space for First Nations people who have been incarcerated in Victoria to share their stories, culture and lived experiences through art since 2009, The Torch's annual Confined exhibition series serves as a poignant reflection on the disproportionate representation of First Nations Australians in the criminal legal system, underscoring the urgent need for change.
Creative director at The Torch Kent Morris, said he hopes the public support the 2025 exhibition and immersive themselves in the stories told.
"In the face of ongoing government inaction and failing Closing the Gap outcomes, The Torch and artists connected to our program continue to provide evidence that reducing First Nations incarceration can be achieved through First Nations led initiatives and programs," he said.
"This year's Confined exhibition provides genuine hope and inspiration generated by a strong commitment to lived experiences and community led solutions. We invite everyone to immerse themselves in the exhibition and support the artist's transformative stories both in the gallery and online."
This year the striking artwork - titled A Journey Starts with a Single Step 2024 - of C. Keller, a proud Wambaya man, has been selected as the hero image for the Confined 16 exhibition. Having spent his life constantly on the move throughout Queensland, painting quickly became a vital source of healing and connection for Keller.
"I remember watching my grandfather paint his story on canvas, telling me about each one. I never really understood the meaning behind his story. At that time, I was struggling with my own thoughts and emotions, disconnected from my culture and heritage. I had lost my way," he said.
"My art reminds me of the power of creative expression and cultural exchange. In the Dreaming, the spirits created so many things for our people. They say the serpent's spirits even laid down the pathway for us as we walked to find our ways through the Country. The handprints represent the spirits of my ancestors. I like to think they were with me all along, guiding me along my journey connecting me to my Country and culture."
"The layering of images represents the layers of my culture and the interconnection of everything in my world," said Keller of his artwork titled A Journey Starts with a Single Step.
Keller hopes his paintings are a catalyst for conversation and education of the rich storytelling of First Nations people, ensuring his culture is kept alive and passing on knowledge sharing to other generations.
Other First Nations artists featured in the 2025 exhibition include J.Riley, J. Ellis, Alisha F, Tupun Wultatinyeri and Timothy W.
The Torch is a not for profit First Nations-led arts organisation that provides art, cultural, and arts industry support to First Nations people who are currently incarcerated or have recently been released from prisons in Victoria.
The core business of The Torch is to address the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within Victoria's legal system through its Statewide Indigenous Arts In Prisons and Community Program.
The Torch is led by a strong First Nations board and executive, including the creative director, chief executive officer and program manager with a majority First Nations staff, most notably seven staff are former program participants who have successfully transitioned out of the prison system.
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