Retrospective exhibition remembers young artists legacy

THE Art Gallery of Ballarat and the Koorie Heritage Trust are presenting the first display of retrospective works by the late Josh Muir.

JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live opens at the Art Gallery of Ballarat Saturday 26 October highlighting Josh’s contributions to First Nations art and culture in South East Australia.

Josh was a Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta and Barkindji artist, born in Ballarat who passed away in 2022 at the age of 30.

His mother Justine Bergand and partner Shanaya Sheridan co-curated the exhibition which centres around Josh’s love for his family and community, with themes of cultural identity, the impacts colonisation, mental health, addiction, personal loss and grief.

“JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live carries on Josh’s memory and his legacy as an established artist, a son, a father, a partner, a brother and a friend to many,” said Ms Sheridan.

“He will forever live on in all of us and through his work.

“I hope that his art will continue to bring light and hope to those struggling with their mental health, and to inspire people to chase their dreams.”

The exhibition name comes from Josh’s 2015 artwork Forever I live which was exhibited in a solo exhibition titled Phoenix.

“We are honoured to be partnering with Koorie Heritage Trust to present this powerful and thought-provoking retrospective of Josh Muir, one the most important artists from Wadawurrung Country,” said Louise Tegart, director of the Art Gallery of Ballarat.

“This retrospective is a visual documentation of life experiences, told through the prolific, vibrant and sometimes overpowering lens of Josh Muir.

“As the Gallery becomes a temporary home to these significant works, we aim to ensure Josh Muir’s legacy continues and his art and story is shared for generations to come.”

JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live will be open until Sunday 2 February 2025.