In an exclusive talk just for Members, NGV Curator of Contemporary Art, Amita Kirpalani, speaks with artist Richard Lewer – celebrating his series of paintings now on display in the Members Lounge at NGV International.
Through twelve paintings, Richard Lewer examines the creation story of Adam and Eve, central to Abrahamic religions and a source of inspiration and commentary by artists throughout the history of Western art. The paintings include allusions to the current climate crisis and global conflicts, built through further staining and layers of paint. Lewer has frequently drawn on his Catholic upbringing to consider how, across painting, printmaking, animation and sculpture, empathy and judgement operate in art.
Following his recent Archibald Prize win, this is a unique opportunity to hear from the artist about these works in the NGV Collection, and to reflect on this important moment in his career.
Richard Lewer is a Melbourne-based artist who exhibits regularly in Australia and New Zealand. He is known for his video and animation, paintings, and delicately beautiful drawings, which evocatively rework some of life’s less pleasant elements – crime scenes, illness, horror movies and extreme events. He has been a finalist and recipient in several distinguished art prizes and residences. His works are held in private and public collections in Australia and New Zealand. He has been a finalist and recipient in several distinguished art prizes and residences including most recently winning the 2026 Archibald Prize.