Kent is a Barkindji man, a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts and an alumnus of the Wesfarmers Indigenous Arts Leadership Program. He has over 20 years experience as a practising artist and curator and has specialist knowledge of, and connections within, the Indigenous Australian arts and culture industry. Kent speaks on 3KND's Big Brekkie.
Kent has a strong interest in the educational and healing potential of the arts and in 2011 joined The Torch to design, develop and deliver the Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community program. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ITS 11-YEAR HISTORY, CONFINED WILL BE PRESENTED IN A SPECTACULAR VIRTUAL GALLERY
Adapting to Covid-19 restrictions, Confined, The Torch’s annual exhibition of works from Indigenous artists currently in or recently released from prison, will, for the first time in its 11-year history be presented within a stunning virtual gallery from 14 May to 7 June 2020 From experienced artists to first time painters premiering their works, the Confined 11 exhibition presents 300 works from 286 artists depicting Indigenous perspectives on identity, art, connection to culture and Country. The virtual gallery offers visitors an authentic, full gallery experience including a walk-through of the customised space and 3D visuals of each of the artworks across a range of mediums and styles. Art lovers will have the opportunity to view and buy the works, which range from $80 - $7500 with most in the $500 - $900 range.
With 100% of the sale price of each Confined artwork going directly to individual artists, the sales are providing significant support for the artists and investing in the philosophy of The Torch’s Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community Program. “During these unprecedented times, which are impacting severely on the arts, Indigenous offenders and ex-offenders exhibiting in Confined 11 are more isolated and vulnerable than ever before. The economic and social capital gained from sharing their culture and stories goes a long way to maintaining wellbeing, connectedness and the ability to focus on the path ahead,” said The Torch CEO Kent Morris.