Strength. Hope. Survival.
We Sit in Circle has been curated to reflect the circle – this resting place. The artworks positioned near the entrance and exits of the gallery space are created by artists in the community, continuing their journeys after prison. The works placed at the centre of the exhibition are by women currently inside. They are regrouping, reconnecting, and resting and, in time, will continue on their own paths.
For generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have used symbols as a visual language to pass down stories, preserve cultural knowledge and express spiritual beliefs. While their meanings vary across different language groups, many messages are shared. One such symbol is the circle, which represents a meeting or resting place. It reflects how we come together – sitting in circles, yarning (talking), and sharing. Lines extending from the circle signify journey paths, showing movement to and from that place of connection.
Presented by The Torch in partnership with Queen Victoria Women’s Centre (QVWC), We Sit in Circle First Nations women artists have lived experience of incarceration. They are mothers, aunties, grandmothers, daughters, and sisters.
We Sit in Circle is curated by Flick Chafer-Smith (Ngarrindjeri) and Sharn Geary (Bundjalung).
- Where: Birnbeal Rainbow Exhibition Space, Ground Floor, 210 Lonsdale St, Melbourne 3000
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: no bookings required. Weekdays 9am–5pm and NAIDOC Weekend (12 & 13 July) 11am–4pm
The Wurundjeri people are the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. We acknowledge their long and continuous connection to this land, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.