Richard Lewer

Lewer painted some of the people involved in the design and construction of the Art Gallery’s new building. Can you identify who each of these people is and what job they’re doing? How has Lewer depicted them? Why was it important for Lewer to capture the images of these people?

Imagine you could step into one of these panels. Describe everything that’s happening around you. What sounds do you hear? What does it smell like? Is there someone in the panel with you? Strike up a conversation. What do they think about this new building?

Lewer is interested in people’s stories. Create a portrait of a close friend that tells their story. Think carefully about how you want to portray them. What are their interests, likes and dislikes? Select the environment and the objects that surround them to add further meaning to your portrait.

Who works behind the scenes at your school? Interview these people to find out their story and what they do. Make sketches from life and, as a class, create an artwork inspired by Lewer’s drawing. Plan an exhibition opening and invite the people featured in your artwork as VIP guests.

Lewer describes himself as a contemporary social realist. What do you think he means by this? Can you see evidence of this in this painting? Why do you think this is an important aspect of his art-making process?

Why do you think Lewer chose to create a multi-panel painting? Would the work have the same impact if it was a single panel or portrait? Consider the colours and patterns he has used. Describe the way he has applied oil paint to the aluminium panels. How do these choices celebrate the labour and the personalities of his subjects? What do these things tell us about Lewer and his art practice?

Consider the relationship between sitter and artist. Does it matter whether they are strangers, acquaintances or close friends? Can an artist create a successful portrait of someone they don’t admire or agree with? Discuss this in class.

Storytelling is a fundamental part of Lewer’s practice. Create an artwork that tells a story of a specific time and place. Describe what’s happening. Who is there? Why is this moment significant to you?

Artists use their individual, intuitive understanding of human experience to make their artworks meaningful on a personal level. Create a portrait of someone important to you. Consider how you can include your own experiences in the artwork to connect with your subject.