Richard Lewer: Steve
From Dec 2025
Level 2, Gallery 24
Free
Richard Lewer, Steve, 2023–24, National Gallery of Australia, purchased 2024
'… every now and again as an artist a special moment comes along that allows you to make a work that will touch so many people’s lives, and for that moment perhaps they don’t feel so alone.'
About
Richard Lewer’s Steve is a gentle exploration of the complexity of a family coming to terms with a dementia diagnosis.
Through animation and a suite of paintings on domestic Laminex tabletops, this exhibition tells the story of man named Steve presented from the perspective of his family as they cope with the effects of his illness. In addition, the artist weaves his own personal story into the work with a group of paintings that look back on personal moments from Lewer’s own life.
Born in Aotearoa New Zealand, Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Richard Lewer is a visual storyteller, well known for his paintings, drawings and moving image works which focus on vulnerable moments and complex aspects of the human condition with insight and empathy.
Following its presentation at the National Gallery, Richard Lewer: Steve will go on a national tour.
Curator: Elspeth Pitt, Senior Curator, Australian Art
