The Torch is proud to present Confined 17, the seventeenth annual exhibition showcasing the work of 424 First Peoples artists with lived experience of incarceration in Victoria.
The exhibition centres the artists’ voices through a large-scale video presentation showcasing interviews captured on Country and within the artist’s homes. Each interview shares the personal and creative journeys of artists, told in their own words.
An immersive collection of 497 artworks extend throughout the gallery addressing themes of kinship, healing, ancestral stories and life journeys. An expansive collective of paintings are displayed alongside traditional and contemporary pieces ranging from weavings and carved emu eggs to ceramics, a handmade woollen rug and a painted guitar. The exhibition showcases the breadth of artistic practice within The Torch’s program.
Confined 17 celebrates the growing participation of women artists in The Torch’s program through a dedicated gallery space highlighting their powerful artworks and stories. Over the past year, women artists have gathered for a regular Tiddas Group at The Torch, connecting, supporting each other and creating new works together.
Since 2009, Confined has provided a dedicated space for First Peoples to share their stories, culture and lived experiences through art. The exhibition series serves as a poignant reflection on the extremely disproportionate representation of First Nations Australians in the criminal legal system, underscoring the urgent need for change.
Presented as a major component of The Torch’s program, Confined 17 continues our commitment to improve the cultural, social, emotional, and financial wellbeing of First Peoples participants, empowering new pathways beyond the criminal legal system.
All artworks are available to purchase from Friday 1 May and 100% of the artwork price goes directly to the artist.
Gallery Hours: Monday to Friday, 10am–5pm; Saturday and Sunday, 1–5pm
Entry is free.
About The Torch
The Torch is a First Peoples-led not-for-profit based in Carlton, Victoria which supports a First Peoples community of artists to break the cycle of incarceration by strengthening cultural connection and knowledge through arts practice. Individual healing and self-determination are fostered by nurturing empowerment, economic elevation and a sense of purpose.
We mentor First Peoples artists with lived experience of incarceration to reconnect with culture and earn income from art sales (with 100% of the artwork price going directly to the artist), licensing, Cultural Activations and exhibitions.
To learn more about the exhibition and accompanying public programs, visit The Torch’s website.
Images: A.Awege, Barkindji people, Connected 2025, acrylic on canvas, 85 x 86 cm; Installation view, Confined 16 2025, presented by The Torch at Glen Eira City Council Gallery. Photograph: James Henry; Opening event, Confined 16 2025, presented by The Torch at Glen Eira City Council Gallery. Photograph: Tiffany Garvie
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