Shimmer: An Artist in Residence Project by Gerwyn Davies

Museum of Brisbane presents Shimmer, a very special Artist in Residence exhibition by one of Australia’s most dynamic artists, Gerwyn Davies, now showing at the Fairfax Gallery until March 8, 2026.

This bold new project features a dazzling collection of photographic portraits developed by Davies in collaboration with trans and gender diverse young people from Open Doors Youth Service. 

Renowned for his theatrical approach to photography, Davies fuses sculptural costuming, vibrant colour palettes and stylised settings to create works that are both playful and profound. For Shimmer, Davies has undertaken a series of creative workshops with 12 young people to design and create elaborate, handmade costumes that empower the wearers to present themselves in extraordinary ways while preserving their anonymity.

Each vivid portrait celebrates the voices and identities of the young creatives, and collectively, these works champion self-expression, resilience, and the transformative power of chosen visibility.

In addition to the exhibition at Museum of Brisbane, Shimmer will extend beyond the gallery walls, transforming the city into an outdoor art exhibition. During Melt Festival, select portraits will be displayed in public spaces across Brisbane, inviting passersby to encounter these powerful portraits in unexpected places.

Shimmer honours the strength, vibrancy and resilience of some of our city’s most vulnerable young people and celebrates the extraordinary vision of award-winning queer artist, Gerwyn Davies.

Good to know – To find out about access at the Museum, click here.

Need to know – This project is presented as part of Brisbane Powerhouse’s Melt Festival, a city-wide event that aims to foster inclusivity, provoke thought and celebrate LGBTQIASB+ communities and artists throughout Brisbane.

MoB’s Artist in Residence program is supported by Tim Fairfax AC.

Museum of Brisbane is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com

Photography - Katie Bennett