A moving and powerful new art exhibition, “Collective Threads: A Public Presence”,
opens in Sydney during Refugee Week 2025 (15–21 June). It shares the personal stories and
strength of Iranian-Australian women and men through portrait paintings, poetry, and
video.
Created by award-winning artist Kathrin Longhurst, the exhibition is all about visibility,
community, and reclaiming space. At its centre are eleven large-scale portraits, painted in a
style that celebrates the sitters’ dignity and presence. These aren’t just beautiful
images—they’re acts of empowerment.
The exhibition comes at a time when the world is paying closer attention to the rights of
women in Iran. Since Mahsa Amini's death in 2022 and the protests that followed, many
Iranian women around the world—including in Australia—have spoken out and stood up,
often at personal cost. This exhibition honours that courage and brings those voices into the
spotlight.
"Collective Threads is especially meaningful during Refugee Week. It reminds us how
fragile freedom can be and how important it is to create spaces for people to be heard, seen,
and celebrated—not just as survivors, but as leaders, artists, advocates, and neighbours," said Longhurst.
The show brings together a group of inspiring Iranian-Australian women and one LGBTQI+
man. Some have recently arrived in Australia; others have been here longer. All have
powerful stories to share—of resistance, healing, and hope.
The portraits are presented in a circle, symbolising support and solidarity. Alongside the paintings are:
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Video works in Farsi and English, featuring the sitters offering words of encouragement to one another;
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Spoken-word poetry and music performed by the participants; and
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A message wall where visitors can add their own words of support.
“This work is about reclaiming space and voice. These people have been silenced for
too long. Here, they are seen. They are heard," said Longhurst.
"The exhibition is more than just a gallery show—it's part of something bigger. Many of the participants are already active in the community. Some work in local government, refugee
services, or domestic violence support. This project supports and uplifts their work, and
invites all of us to listen, learn, and take action," she added.
Filmmakers Mehran and Farhad Feyzbashipour and Reza Taherabadi are also documenting
the project so that these stories can reach far beyond the gallery. Their film will help share
this message with families and communities across the world.
Key Facts:
EXHIBITION DETAILS
Title: Collective Threads: A Public Presence
Artist: Kathrin Longhurst
Opening Date:19 June 2025
Venue: CATO Gallery, Lower Ground, 67 Fitzroy Street, Surry Hills NSW
Opening Event: Thursday 19 June | 6:30PM
Refugee Week: 16–23 June 2025
Media Preview: Available upon request
Contact details:
ANN BUCHNER
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0418 409 702
Available for interview: artist Kathrin Longhurst
