{Suite} Aotearoa Art Fair 2026 | Richard Lewer | Booth 31: Viaduct Events Centre

Born in Kirikiriroa Hamilton in 1970, Lewer is among the few trans-Tasman artists with a significant practice in both Australia and New Zealand. As a contemporary social realist, he is interested in experimenting with notions of the artist’s role as an interpreter to examine the complexities and challenges of our society objectively, without a moralizing or political tone.

Lewer’s return to the Fair follows a period of extraordinary recognition in Australia, with two major institutional exhibitions. At the Geelong Gallery, I Only Talk to God When I want Something explores faith and guilt, and brings together pivotal works from series such as Confessions, Seven Deadly Sins and Stations of the Cross. 

Meanwhile, The National Gallery of Australia’s exhibition, Steve, features an animated film and painting series built from thousands of hand-painted frames, portraying a family coming to terms with a dementia diagnosis. After its Canberra showing, Steve will tour regional Australian galleries for three years.