Richard Lewer: Steve opens at Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery
Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery is proud to present Richard Lewer: Steve, a moving and deeply personal exhibition that explores the experience of dementia through art, memory and storytelling.
Following its recent presentation at the National Gallery of Australia, the National Gallery Touring Exhibition will be on display at Port Pirie from Friday 28 August to Sunday 8 November 2026.
Created by acclaimed Australian artist Richard Lewer, Steve centres on an animated film comprising thousands of hand-painted images that tell the story of Steve and his family as they come to terms with a dementia diagnosis. Alongside the film, a series of paintings drawn from Lewer's own memories reflect on the everyday moments that shape our lives, from family dinners and celebrations to life's more challenging conversations and farewells.
Lewer is widely recognised for his compassionate approach to storytelling and his focus on the complexities of the human condition. Through Steve, he examines memory as both fragile and mysterious, creating space for reflection, understanding and connection.
In the artist's own words: "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."
The exhibition opening will be held on Friday 28 August from 5.30pm to 7.00pm, with light refreshments provided. Guests will have the opportunity to hear from Elspeth Pitt, Senior Curator, Australian Art, National Gallery, whose curatorial work has helped bring this significant exhibition to audiences across the country. The exhibition will be officially opened by Port Pirie Regional Council Mayor Leon Stephens.
The exhibition is supported by a range of public programs and resources developed by the National Gallery, including discussions exploring the relationship between art and dementia, artist interviews, storytelling resources and initiatives designed to engage people living with dementia and their carers. These programs reflect the National Gallery's ongoing commitment to making art accessible and relevant to diverse communities.
Richard Lewer: Steve offers audiences a powerful opportunity to engage with themes of memory, family, loss and resilience through the lens of contemporary Australian art.
Exhibition Opening
Richard Lewer: Steve
📅Friday 28 August 2026
🕠5.30pm to 7.00pm
📍Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery
🎟Free entry | All welcome
To assist with catering, please register your attendance via Eventbrite:
🎟️ Register here
Richard Lewer: Steve is a National Gallery Touring Exhibition supported by the Australian Government through Visions of Australia.
