Solo show to celebrate life

THE legacy of a deceased Ballarat artist is set to go on display as part of a new exhibition at Melbourne’s Koorie Heritage Trust.

Works created by Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta, and Barkindji man Josh Muir will be on show at the Fed Square space from Saturday 9 March until Sunday 14 July as part of a retrospective exhibition called JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live.

The show has been curated between the Koorie Heritage Trust’s curatorial team, Muir’s mother Justine Berg, and his partner Shanaya Sheridan who said the exhibition highlights the artist’s enduring legacy.

“It pieces together the 10-plus years of his work since he emerged in the arts scene but also lets people know his legacy does live on,” she said.

“He’s no longer here with us but yet he is in so many ways whether it’s through the art itself or the impact he had on our community, our youth, and those struggling with their mental health.”

The exhibition is the result of 19 months work and will showcase almost 100 pieces created between 2010 and 2020.

Some of the sources for the artwork include Federation University, the Art Gallery of Ballarat, and the Peter Nash Collection, as well as through private owners.

The title of the show is in reference to Muir’s ongoing impact following his death in early 2022.

Ms Sheridan said the exhibition brings together many of the themes inherent in Muir’s work.

“A lot of the messages Josh wanted to send out to people were about if you’re struggling with your mental health, there’s help out there,” she said.

“If you’re young and have these big aspirations, don’t let anything hold you back.

“Showing our mob you can choose your own path, seeing that all come together will, I hope, really highlight Josh’s aspirations to inspire people.”

Muir first exhibited with the Koorie Heritage Trust in 2013 as part of The Ballarat Four which showcased local First Nations artists.

Following that, he received accolades like the Ballarat Youth Awards’ Visual Art and Design Prize the next year, and created pieces including the animated work Still Here, displayed on the National Gallery of Victoria’s facade during White Night in 2016.