Exploring themes of darkness, light and the balance between struggle and resilience, confinement and freedom, Confined 16 – a powerful exhibition presented by The Torch featuring 400 artworks by 400 First Nations artists, has opened at Glen Eira City Council Gallery and is on display until 22 June 2025.
Since 2009, The Torch’s annual Confined exhibition series 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. The artworks and accompanying artist stories resonate with connection to Country, Ancestors, culture and speaks to the enduring strength of identity and community.
“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,” said Kent Morris, Creative Director, The Torch.
“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.”
The striking artwork of C. Keller, a proud Wambaya man, has been selected as the hero image for Confined 16. Having spent his life constantly on the move throughout Queensland, painting become 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,” said Keller.
“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.
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.
Alongside the salon hang of extraordinary paintings, Confined 16 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.
Confined 16 can be viewed in-person at the Glen Eira Town Hall Gallery, 420 Glen Eira Road, Caulfield, and online until 22 June 2025. For more information, visit: www.thetorch.org.au for details.
Image: C. Keller, Wambaya people, A Journey Starts with a Single Step, 2024, acrylic on canvas, 199 x 188 cm (supplied)