A show of life and legacy

THE impact of a defining local Indigenous artist on First Nations creativity is on show for all to see at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.

Open until 2 February, JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live compiles the first-ever largescale retrospective of Ballarat-born Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta and Barkindji artist, the late Josh Muir.

Bringing many of Josh’s eclectic works together under the one roof, the collection touches on themes of legacy, cultural identity, the impact of colonisation, personal loss, and addiction, while also celebrating family, and community.

Josh’s partner Shanaya Sheridan co-curated the exhibition with the artist’s mother Justine Berg, lending the show a personal and intimate touch.

She said the show is a celebration of Josh’s prolific legacy.

“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,” she said.

“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.

“As Josh would say: Aim for the stars not the streetlights.”

Passing away aged 30 in 2022, Josh’s artistic career spanned 12 years, debuting at the Koorie Heritage Trust as part of The Ballarat Four group exhibition in 2013.

From there, he went on to receive accolades like the Ballarat Youth Awards’ Visual Art and Design Prize in 2014, and created pieces including the animated work Still Here, displayed on the National Gallery of Victoria’s facade during White Night in 2016.

“We are honoured to be partnering with Koorie Heritage Trust to present this powerful and thought-provoking retrospective,” Art Gallery of Ballarat director Louise Tegart said.

“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.”