We Sit in Circle: The Torch’s new exhibition presented in partnership with QVWC

They are mothers, aunties, grandmothers, daughters, and sisters.

The We Sit in Circle exhibition presented by The Torch in partnership with the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre reflects First Nations women’s experience of incarceration.

The Torch, established in 2011, is a not-for-profit First Nations-led arts organisation that provides art, cultural, and arts industry support to First Nations people who are currently incarcerated or have recently been released from prisons in Victoria.

The core goal of The Torch is to address the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within Victoria’s legal system through its statewide Indigenous Arts In Prisons and Community Program.

The Torch program has more than 700 First Nations men and women currently involved, with 100 per cent of the artwork price going directly to the artist. This rehabilitative process assists participants to reconnect with culture and identity whilst allowing them to earn an income.

The exhibition aims to reflect the circular meeting places we often find ourselves when “sharing, yarning (talking) and connecting.” It is in these resting places that “knowledge, culture and spirit are expressed to one another and its message heard”.

“The exhibition is about strength, hope and survival,” curator and program manager for The Torch Sharn Geary (Bundjalung) said, adding that the curation highlighted the journeys of those engaged with the program.

“The artworks curated at the entrance of the gallery are those created by artists in the community, continuing their journey after prison. With the works at the centre of the exhibition are by women currently inside,” Miss Geary said.

“People will walk away with a new perspective on these talented artists. A deeper understanding of someone they’ve never met.” 

It is through the art that one can peer into the life of the artist. Their history, their voice, their connection to land. The healing shown through the art in its cathartic and rehabilitative essence draws you into an individual partnership with that artist.

“Taking time to create something beautiful is so precious in a place like prison. Sometimes it's hard to look for beauty in things. My soul will try to turn this bleak situation into a time to create works that show what's in my heart. I project beauty, love, and happiness. I hope you feel that when you look at my work here” - Aalayah, Wiradjuri

According to Ms Geary, co-curator of the exhibition and The Torch program participant and Indigenous Arts Officer Flick Chafer-Smith (Ngarrindjeri) had “been vital to the exhibition, in engaging with First Nations women, having their voices and stories heard continually.”

Audiences can also listen to the piece For we are the Matriarchs by Flick Chafer-Smith on soundcloud.

We Sit in Circle runs from July 1 to 18 and is located at the Birnbeal Rainbow Exhibition Space at the Queen Victoria’s Women Centre at 210 Lonsdale St in the CBD.

The Torch’s main gallery, located at 146 Elgin St, Carlton, has launched regular opening hours from Tuesday to Friday, 11am to 4pm. •