From Saturday March 27 to Saturday August 15, Deadly Threads will showcase State Library of Queensland’s mammoth collection of Indigenous shirts – born from protests in the 1970s and evolving as permanent mainstays in wardrobes across the country. In this eye-catching exhibition, gallery-goers can stroll through a showcase of 170 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designed singlets, t-shirts, polo shirts, and jerseys.

From colourful sporting jerseys to protest and artists shirts, Deadly Threads looks at how the shirts have helped people freely express views, support community, show allegiances and champion causes. Explore the origins of the shirts and how they have become important symbols of identity, celebration and unity and discover the regional companies and artists that are behind them. Some highlights include rare shirts from the Mabo Family Collection that celebrate Mabo Day and the 1992 Mabo decision, Queensland rugby legend Johnathan Thurston’s boots and shirts designed by artists Vernon Ah Kee, Richard Bell, and Libby Harward. Alongside the exhibition will also be free talks, curator’s tours and workshops that delve deeper into the showcase.

The best part? This exhibition is open daily and completely free! To learn more about Deadly Threads, head on over to the State Library of Queensland website.

Image credit: Brian Cassey