Confined 16

May 23 to June 22 2025
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ARTWORKS SOLD: 288/452
To see available works only, please click here.

The Torch is delighted to present the sixteenth annual Confined exhibition featuring 400 artworks by 400 First Nations artists whose lives have been impacted by the criminal legal system in Victoria. Each artwork resonates with connection—to Country, to Ancestors, to culture—and speaks to the enduring strength of identity and community.

The artworks and accompanying artist stories explore themes of darkness, light and the balance between struggle and resilience, confinement, and freedom.

Alongside a salon hang of extraordinary paintings, the exhibition will feature weavings created during women’s circles, didgeridoos innovatively made from matchsticks, carved emu eggs illuminated by light as well as hand-tufted rugs expressing Country and the land on which we walk.

Since 2009, Confined has provided a dedicated space for First Nations people who have been incarcerated in Victoria to share their stories, culture and lived experiences through art. The exhibition series serves as a poignant reflection on the disproportionate representation of First Nations Australians in our criminal legal system, underscoring the urgent need for change.

Presented as a major component of The Torch Statewide Indigenous Arts In Prisons and Community Program, Confined 16 continues The Torch’s commitment to improve the cultural, social, emotional, and financial wellbeing of First Nations program participants, empowering them to find new pathways beyond the criminal legal system.

Explore Confined 16 at the Glen Eira City Council Gallery, Monday to Friday 10am–5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 1pm–5pm. Entry is free.

Artwork will be available to purchase online and at the exhibition. 100% of the artwork price goes directly to the artist.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

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Live Art with artists from The Torch – Every Saturday & Sunday 1-4 pm, free, no booking required

Exhibition Tours with The Torch – Every Thursday & Saturday 2 pm, free, no booking required

Storytime session for children with Eva Jo Edwards – 27 May from 10.30–11am, free, no booking required

Floor talk with The Torch Artistic Director, Kent Morris and an artists from The Torch – Thursday 29 May, 1 pm, free, register here

Weaving workshop facilitated by artist, Alisha F. – Sunday 1 June 1–3 pm, $5, register here

Weaving workshop facilitated by artist, Alisha F. – Sunday 8 June 10am–12 pm, $5, register here

Sunday Session: Performance by Olivia Meg – Sunday 8 June 2–4 pm, free, no booking required

Weaving workshop facilitated by artist, Alisha F. – Friday 20 June 1–3pm, $5, register here

 

EXHIBITION RESOURCES

Artworks

1
$460
2
$350
3
$410
4
$710
5
$440
6
$260
7
$390
8
$490
9
$430
10
$470
11
$600
12
$510
13
$720
14
$300
15
$450
16
$460
17
$1020
18
$300
19
$450
20
$510
21
$350
22
$740
23
$10000
24
$440
25
$440
26
$450
27
$840
28
$460
29
$440
30
$450
31
$430
32
$910
33
$480
34
$250
35
$290
36
$450
37
$730
38
$1000
39
$470
40
$460
41
$750
42
$460
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60

Artist Stories

Aalayah

Alisha F

J.Riley

James H

Jeza and B.P.G.

Visitor Comments

IVAIS
Creative Australia
Justice VIC
Creative Victoria
Margaret Lawrence Bequest
Highland Foundation
Australian Communities Foundation
Melbourne Rd Art & Canvas Stretching
Melbourne Water
Levantine Hill
Capi
Decently Exposed
grace fine art
The Guardian
The Saturday Paper
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