A major touring retrospective brings the work of late Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, and Barkindji artist Josh Muir to Shepparton Art Museum from 25 October 2025.

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is pleased to announce the upcoming opening of JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live, a major touring exhibition from Koorie Heritage Trust, on 25 October 2025. JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live is the first major solo retrospective exhibition of the late Josh Muir, following his passing in 2022.

Josh Muir (1991-2022), a Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, and Barkindji artist, was born and raised on Wadawurrung Country in Ballarat, Victoria. Drawing its title from one of Josh’s artworks of the same name, JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live reflects Josh’s artistic legacy and his enduring presence through his artwork. The exhibition highlights the strength of his artistic practice and the important contribution he has made to First People’s art and culture in South East Australia, and contemporary art nationally and internationally over his short yet prolific career.

Proudly curated by Koorie Heritage Trust, with Josh’s mother Justine Berg and partner Shanaya Sheridan as co-curators, the exhibition brings together a selection of bold, vibrant works across painting, digital prints, and augmented reality. The featured artworks showcase how Josh embraced digital methods of production and a visual language influenced by street art, a pop aesthetic and incorporate various forms of design, developing a unique vernacular of contemporary iconography whilst embodying his staunch love of family and community, reflecting on a range of themes including cultural identity, the impacts and legacies of colonisation, mental health, addiction, personal loss, and grief.

Belinda Briggs, SAM Curator – Indigenous, says of the exhibition:

“It’s such an honour for us to have the privilege of sharing a glimpse into the life and art of Josh Muir here on Yorta Yorta Woka, a place of belonging for him. This showcase invites audiences to an intimate encounter with his story and the spirit of his practice. Josh’s practice was boundless — in his expression, the themes and subjects he explored. His use of digital media connects us with old and new ideas in the now, drawing us into a vivid, layered and pulsing energy.”

Danny Lacy, SAM Artistic Director, says of the exhibition:

“JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live is a stunning encapsulation of Josh’s unique creative vision. SAM is excited to be sharing such a dynamic exhibition with our community—from bold paintings to augmented reality activations, this is a gallery experience that immerses you in Josh’s world. We know that so many people will leave this show feeling the same thirst for creativity that fuelled Josh’s practice.”

A free opening celebration event for the exhibition will be held at SAM on Friday 31 October from 5.30pm. This event will also jointly celebrate the local artists of SAM Open 2025, as well as artists who have recently unveiled installations at the museum, including Philip Hickingbotham, Prue Venables, and Yuria Okamura. Registrations for this event can be made online via Humanitix: https://events.humanitix.com/sam-seasonal-exhibition-celebration-october-2025

JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live will be on display in SAM’s Lin Onus Gallery from Saturday 25 October, with free entry.

JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live is a Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT) exhibition that was first presented at KHT from 9 March – 14 July 2024, and touring to galleries across Victoria.

Catalogue, Exhibition and Touring Partners: Creative Victoria, City of Melbourne, the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, the Australian Government’s Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program, ANZ and the Gordon Darling Foundation.

ENDS

Featured image credit: Installation view, JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live, Saturday 9 March until Sunday 14 July 2024, Koorie Heritage Trust, Birrarung Building, Fed Square. Photo by Christian Capurro, 2024.

About SAM:

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is located on Yorta Yorta Country, Shepparton, Victoria.

As a leading Australian regional art museum, SAM showcases its exhibitions and collections in new and exciting ways, creating a welcoming, inclusive and engaging space for all visitors.

Recognised for its significant Australian ceramics collection and nationally significant collection of Indigenous art, SAM’s programming is designed to be locally relevant and engages with global contemporary ideas. Through its exhibitions, collection, programs and events, SAM creates a place where art helps us to better understand the ancient cultures of this country and contemporary multicultural Australia.

Media enquiries, please contact Mikela Guseli, SAM Communications Officer.

p: (03) 4804 5009 e: mguseli@sheppartonartmuseum.com.au