Vernon Treweeke: 3DHD

16 April – 19 June

Using a unique form of 3D digital image painting, sculpting and sequencing, the father of Australian psychedelic art takes us with him on a voyage through surreal world circumstances; his ‘electric brushes’ create profound statements in light – projected and on screen, in high definition and viewed with 3D glasses.

Click here to read Vernon Trewekke’s Artist Statement Size PDF

Artist Biography

Vernon Treweeke was born in 1939 and grew up in Sydney, attended boarding school in Bathurst where he became a close friend of Brett Whiteley. From 1957 to 1959 he studied at the National Art School under John Passmore and Lyndon Dadswell. In 1961 Treweeke travelled to London, and was included in the prestigious Young Commonwealth Artists exhibition (1962).

During his time in London Treweeke was exposed to a unique fusion of British, European and American styles of contemporary art including Pop, Colour-field, Hard-edge, Minimalism and Conceptual art. Treweeke’s work reflected these styles – combined with a psychedelic twist.In 1966 Treweeke returned to Australia, pioneering (in this country) what would become known as Installation, multi-media and electronic art.

In 1968 Treweeke was included in the ground breaking The Field exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria. By 1970 Treweeke had abandoned an increasingly high profile career to commit to the ‘counterculture’. His life-long interest in beat culture; exotic religions and alternative lifestyles eventually led him to the town of Nimbin (where he was instrumental in organising the legendary 1973 Aquarius Festival).

In 1976 Treweeke and family returned to Sydney, and settled in the Blue Mountains. Largely forgotten – and, til recently, written out of Australian art history – Vernon Treweeke continued to make incredible art. Since 2003 Vernon Treweeke has been featured in major exhibitions at Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest (2003 & 2009), Macquarie University Art Gallery (2004), Campbelltown Arts Centre (2008) and CarriageWorks (2010).