13 May – 6 June 2021

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Welcome to the Confined 12 virtual exhibition featuring artworks by Indigenous artists currently in or recently released from prisons in Victoria, Australia.

Presenting 377 artworks from over 320 artists, Confined 12 creates a strong visual metaphor for the over-representation of Indigenous Australians in the criminal justice system. It is the biggest exhibition ever presented by The Torch.

We invite you to view Confined 12 through our Artwork Mosaic and Virtual Gallery below, and also to explore video stories featuring The Torch artists.

245/377 ARTWORKS SOLD

Artworks can be purchased online with 100% of the sale price going directly to the artist.

When I paint, all my problems go away, I lose myself in my art

In 2019, an independent evaluation found that the reoffending rate of Torch participants was just 11% compared to the wider Victorian rate of 53% for Indigenous prisoners.

Artworks created through The Torch are part of a rehabilitation process that helps build confidence, social capital, economic stability and pathways to reconnect with the community.

Confined plays an important role in supporting Indigenous offenders and ex-offenders to tell their stories, connect with the community, develop arts networks and reintegrate back into society.

We acknowledge all the artists who have had the trust, courage and strength of purpose to exhibit their work in Confined 12. We also acknowledge the many families who have been such great supporters to their partners, children, parents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties, nephews and nieces while they are inside.

The majority of the artists in Confined 12 will not be able to share the exhibition experience. Please share your thoughts, responses or favourite artwork in the Visitor Comments section below. These comments will be passed on to the artists to encourage them in the further development of their arts practice.

(03) 9042 1236 | artcoordinator@thetorch.org.au