A solo exhibition by Josh Deane, a proud Trawlwoolway (Palawa) man whose creative practice is deeply rooted in his Indigenous heritage and a profound respect for the land.
Discouraged by the modern culture of fast fashion and excessive waste, Josh views upcycling not merely as a sustainable trend, but as a vital spiritual connection to his ancestors, who lived with a fundamental philosophy of resourcefulness and never allowed any material to go to waste.
By breathing new life into discarded denim and leather, Josh transforms these reclaimed materials into 'wearable art'—a term that defines both the one-of-a-kind jackets featured in the show and his current made-to-order fashion collection.
The exhibition creates a powerful visual dialogue by pairing these physical garments with large-scale acrylic and latex polymer paintings of models inhabiting the pieces. This intentional pairing allows the viewer to witness the garment as both a standalone artifact and a living representation of identity.
'SALVAGE' stands as a high impact testament to slow fashion, proving that by honouring the materials of the past, we can create a more intentional and creative future.
Image credit: Josh Deane, Kali Jacket (detail), 2025, acrylic and latex polymer paint on pine board.
