illustra

PORTRAIT EXHIBITION

For fifty years, women have been part of the life and community of John XXIII College. Illustra marks this milestone through a portrait exhibition celebrating the women who have lived, studied, and contributed to the College since women were first admitted in 1976.

The exhibition brings together fifty portraits of alumnae whose experiences reflect the diversity of the Johns community across generations. Their paths extend across many fields and professions, yet each portrait begins with time spent at the College.

Displayed prominnently in the foyer of John XXIII College, the portraits form a visual reflection on fifty years of women at Johns. Each work represents an individual story while contributing to a broader record of the College community.

A digital gallery accompanies the exhibition, allowing visitors to explore the portraits and stories online.

Illustra

To illuminate, To honour, To inspire

The Exhibition

Portraits by Bronte Morel

2026

The portraits of the Illustra exhibition were captured across the vast landscapes of Australia (and the world) covering more than 5,500 kilometres. With flights from London to Perth, Hobart and Brisbane. The series reflects the international and domestic reach of John’s women, including three who returned from New York, Abu Dhabi and Papua New Guinea to be part of the project. Each portrait is set in a location that is familiar, formative and deeply personal, from workplaces, homes, farms to places of sentimental significance anchoring each image in experience, identity and memory. 

Digital Gallery

Alongside the exhibition at the College, a digital gallery presents the full portrait collection online. Each portrait is accompanied by a short profile, offering insight into the individual stories behind the images.

The gallery allows the wider Johns community, alumni, families, and friends to explore the exhibition from anywhere.