This November, Gallery One on the Gold Coast will be proud to present a deeply moving exhibition by acclaimed Australian artist Kathrin Longhurst—an artist renowned for her emotionally charged, socially conscious portraits that give voice to stories often left unheard.
Longhurst’s work is more than just technically impressive. It is deeply personal, unapologetically political, and strikingly feminine. Her latest body of work continues to explore themes of female empowerment, displacement, and cultural identity, with her signature blend of classical beauty and modern-day messaging.
A Spotlight on Strength Amid Displacement
Longhurst’s recent exhibition Collective Threads: A Public Presence—currently on show in Sydney—has drawn timely attention. Featured in a recent article by The Sydney Morning Herald, the show highlights 11 portraits of Australian Iranian women, painted in the regal style of Persian royalty. Each portrait tells a story of strength, endurance, and self-determination, reflecting the resilience of women whose histories are shaped by displacement and upheaval.
“These aren’t just portraits,” Longhurst says in the article. “They’re acts of empowerment.” Known widely for her Packing Room Prize-winning portrait of singer Kate Ceberano in 2021, Longhurst’s focus remains firmly on women’s voices. “Too often they are framed as victims or erased from the public record,” she says.
One poignant portrait features Nazanin Jebeli and her mother, Fezeh, who posed for the project and whose family remains in Iran. “We have family and friends there – it’s a very difficult time to see what is happening and we definitely have concerns for their safety,” Jebeli told The Sydney Morning Herald.
From East Berlin to Australia: A Journey of Resistance
Longhurst’s own story is as compelling as those she paints. Born in East Berlin in 1971, she grew up amid political repression and constant fear of invasion from the West. She migrated to Australia in 2000, bringing with her a perspective shaped by resistance, transformation, and the enduring need for justice. This background underpins her artistic lens, which fuses romantic realism with powerful contemporary narratives.
Upcoming: Gold Coast Exhibition
Gallery One is thrilled to host Kathrin Longhurst’s next exhibition this November, where audiences will have the opportunity to view a new collection of works that continue to challenge, celebrate, and uplift. Her signature style—rich with symbolic detail and emotional depth—confronts and celebrates the complex experiences of women across cultures and generations.
This exhibition is not just about art—it’s about recognition, visibility, and change.
Don’t Miss It
Kathrin Longhurst | [New Works]
📍 Gallery One, Gold Coast
🗓️ Opening November 2025
Join us in celebrating a voice that speaks powerfully through paint—one portrait at a time. Stay tuned for exhibition previews, special artist talks, and event details by following Gallery One’s social channels or signing up to our newsletter.
