122 Indigenous artists confined to Victorian prisons during the global pandemic have painted a brighter future for themselves, their families, their communities, their Countries and the world as a whole for Future Dreaming… visions of the future. Presented by The Torch, the online exhibition continues to 31 December 2020.
The artists, who are remanded across 14 Victorian correctional facilities, are participants in The Torch’s Indigenous Art in Prisons and Community program. They have expressed their hopes and dreams on 30cm x 30cm artworks that will be available to view and purchase online via a scrolling mosaic gallery.
This exhibition gives voice to First Nations Australians who are isolated in prison during a global pandemic, mirroring the global communities wish to reconnect with loved ones and dream of a better future.
The 122 works span emerging artists such as Mark C, whose painting River Dreaming with Seven River Totems is his first artwork submitted to The Torch, through to seasoned artists Jaye (Coming Together) and Trevor (Hunting and Gathering). 100% of the sale of each artwork goes to the artist.
The Torch, which also presents the distinguished Confined exhibition annually, has faced a raft of challenges with delivering face to face support to Indigenous men and women incarcerated during the COVID -19 global pandemic.
“We have been very active supporting our participants during the pandemic. In response to restrictions accessing Victorian prisons during this time, we invited our in-prison artists to dream of a brighter future and bring that future to life,” said Kent Morris, The Torch CEO.
“Future Dreaming provides a platform for participants to share their experiences, thoughts and ambitions through poignant artworks and stories that highlight the importance of cultural and community connection for Indigenous inmates during this time.”
The Torch has been delivering the Statewide Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community Program (SIAPC) since 2011. Since its inception over $1,000,000 worth of artworks from program’s artists have been sold and licensed.
Purchasers include the National Gallery of Victoria, Museum Victoria, Shepparton Art Museum the Victorian Ombudsman and a range of government, corporate and private buyers in Australia and overseas.
Future Dreaming… visions of the future continues online until 31 December 2020. For more information, visit: www.thetorch.org.au for details.
Image: Gumarran, Yolngu people, Flow, 2020 (detail), 30 × 30 cm, Acrylic on canvas – courtesy of the Artist and The Torch