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
$410
3
$710
4
$440
5
$260
6
$490
7
$470
8
$600
9
$510
10
$720
11
$300
12
$460
13
$1020
14
$450
15
$510
16
$350
17
$740
18
$10000
19
$440
20
$440
21
$450
22
$460
23
$440
24
$450
25
$430
26
$910
27
$480
28
$250
29
$450
30
$730
31
$1000
32
$470
33
$460
34
$750
35
$460
36
37
38
39
40

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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