Spot the Difference
What’s the difference between fact and fiction? Can you spot the difference?
Ask anyone in Penrith, and they will have heard of the myth of the panther. In fact, most have seen it, or know someone who has. With origins that span from circus escapees, World War II mascots, and the trade of exotic animals from the 19th Century, it’s a tale that has people sitting in one of two camps – fact or fiction.
Spot the Difference brings together artists from Penrith and across Australia to celebrate and interrogate the story of ‘The Big Black Cat’ as a foundational mythology for our region. Working across drawing, painting, sculpture, fashion and installation, these artists highlight the varying origins of the mythology, and the ways in which the story is being told and retold today.
Either way, it’s a story that’s connected with Penrith, not least because of the success of the Penrith Panthers football club. So what happens if we give credence to the story? What can it tell us about the character, identity, and communities of a place like Penrith? A place on the urban and rural divide, where the settled and the wilderness meet. A place where the panther has become synonymous with pride from coming from the west. Where it counts to stand up, be counted and be seen. And where excellence – across culture, sport and community – can be found hiding in plain sight.
After all, even panthers have spots, you just have to look a little closer.
Artists: Abdul-Rahman Abdullah, Billy Bain, Daniel Boyd, Shannon Boyd, Blak Douglas, Troy Emery, Lyndal Irons, Claudia Nicholson, Jason Phu & Maja Baska, Anna Louise Richardson, Kate Rohde, Osselan Tupai Scanlan, Regina Walter, Chris Whiticker & Linda Brescia.
Exhibition Dates: 9 November – 16 February
- Key Info:
- Dates & Times
09 Nov 2024 10:00 am
16 Feb 2024 4:00 pm
Make the Panther You Want to See
Jason Phu is an artist interested in folk tales, local history and funny jokes. For Spot the Difference, Jason has created an special art class, show kids how to make their own panther inspired masks using materials found around the house.
Jason will be at REAL Festival on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 September running more mask making workshops, and invites you to bring your mask along.
Get a photo of you in your panther mask, and it may end up in the exhibition!