New Acquisitions in Context 

25 June – 4 September

An exhibition of recently acquired works by Brook Andrew, Christopher Dean, Destiny Deacon, Jon Plapp and Justene Williams with selected works from the Collection.

New Acquisitions in Context offers an opportunity for the practices of contemporary artists to be viewed alongside earlier generations. In so doing, this exhibition celebrates art as both an aesthetic and conceptual journey situated within an historical context.

Penrith Regional Gallery and The Lewers Bequest was originally the home of Gerald and Margo Lewers, who were actively involved in the Sydney art scene during the early to mid twentieth century – both Margo and Gerald were involved in establishing the Sydney branch of the Contemporary Art Society. Margo and Gerald were advocates for the development of experimental ideas and practices within the visual arts. It became very important to Margo that her legacy would benefit Penrith, the region and the public at large by enabling and encouraging the on-going creation, experience and study of visual arts.

As a result, Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest proudly houses a dynamic Collection, which began when the site, buildings, Aboriginal rock carvings, furniture, artworks, books, publications, photographs and printed ephemera were given to Penrith City Council in 1980 by the daughters of Margo and Gerald Lewers, Darani Lewers and Tanya Crothers. Since its inception, the Gallery Collection has continued to grow in order to build upon the spirit and intent of the original Lewers Bequest.

In celebration of art practice across the generations, New Acquisitions in Context presents recently acquired works by Brook Andrew, Christopher Dean, Destiny Deacon & Virginia Frazer, Jon Plapp and Justene Williams as well as a pukanami pole from the Robin Gurr Collection and a work by Tori- Ann Klower who recently took part in an Artists In Schools Project at Nepean High School with artists Cath Farr and Mark Little. Alongside the new acquisitions are works by Harold Abbott, Frank Hinder, Margo Lewers, Elwyn Lynn and Peter Upward.

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