Artist
Born in Katoomba, Australia
Early Life and Education
Born: October 31, 1945, in Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia.
Early Inspiration: Arthur McIntyre’s initial artistic drive stemmed from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio program, the Argonauts Club. As “Atropos 30,” he submitted drawings to the show and received encouragement from its art critic, Jeffrey Smart.
Award & Scholarship: In 1962, while at Katoomba High School, McIntyre was awarded the ABC’s Commonwealth Art Award by Jeffrey Smart. He excelled academically, becoming Dux of his high school and earning two university scholarships.
Formal Training: He chose to study at Alexander Mackie Teachers College (now Sydney's National Art School) from 1963-1966.
Artistic Career and Style
Teaching & Full-Time Artist: After college, McIntyre taught art in Sydney and Canberra high schools before dedicating himself to a full-time artistic career.
Mediums & Themes: He primarily worked with collage, drawing, and painting. His work often explored controversial themes of sexuality, utilizing collage elements sourced from pornographic magazines.
Influences: McIntyre’s style was significantly influenced by modernist art movements such as Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art.
Notable Works: Key pieces include “Life drawing II,” showcasing his unique artistic vision, and “Flesh and Blood,” a painting/collage that won the Gold Coast City Art Gallery Prize in 1987.
Critical Writing and Publications
Art Critic: From 1977 to 1978, McIntyre served as an art critic for The Australian newspaper.
Journalism & Contributions: He was a regular contributor to the journal Art & Australia from 1975 to 1990.
Published Books: McIntyre authored two significant books: “Resurgence and Redefinition: Australian Contemporary Drawing” (1988) and “Contemporary Australian Collage and its Origins” (1990). These publications established him as a leading voice in Australian art criticism.
Legacy and Public Collections
Public Recognition: Arthur McIntyre’s work is held in numerous prominent public collections across Australia, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, National Gallery of Victoria, Art Gallery of Western Australia, and National Gallery of Australia.
Posthumous Appreciation: In 2010, a major publication and two-part exhibition, *Arthur McIntyre: Bad blood 1960–2000*, were held at Hazelhurst and Macquarie University, celebrating his life and work.
Historical Significance: McIntyre’s contributions to Australian art are still celebrated today. His willingness to tackle controversial subjects and his innovative use of collage have left a lasting impact on the Australian art scene.
Death: Arthur McIntyre passed away on October 26, 2003, leaving behind a significant body of work that continues to be studied and appreciated.
Museum
On show in Emu Plains, Australia
A Sanctuary of Modernist Vision
Nestled along the tranquil western banks of the Nepean River in Emu Plains, Penrith Regional Gallery serves as a profound testament to the enduring spirit of Australian modernism. More than a mere repository for art, this institution is an immersive journey into the creative soul of two pioneers, Gerald and Margo Lewers. Established in 1981, the gallery occupies the very site that once functioned as a vibrant crucible for artistic experimentation, where the boundaries between life, landscape, and studio were perpetually blurred. To walk through its doors is to step into a living legacy, where the echoes of mid-century intellectual fervor still resonate within the beautifully preserved heritage gardens and thoughtfully adapted structures.
The heart of the gallery beats through the extraordinary Lewers Bequest, a collection that offers an intimate window into the genesis of Australian abstraction. Visitors are invited to explore a vast assemblage of paintings, sculptures, and drawings that reveal Gerald Lewers’ mastery of geometric form and Margo Lewers’ evocative transitions from formal abstraction to fluid expressionism. The collection is not merely a display of objects but a study in how color palettes can be distilled from the rugged beauty of the Australian landscape, creating a dialogue between the canvas and the earth itself. For the discerning collector or art lover, these works represent a pivotal moment in art history, capturing the precise instant when local identity met international modernist movements.
The architectural experience of the gallery is as much a part of the exhibition as the artworks themselves. The transformation of the Lewers' original homes into sophisticated exhibition spaces—including Ancher House and the Loungeroom Gallery—has been achieved with a masterful touch that respects the structural integrity of the past while embracing contemporary needs. Sunlight streams through expansive windows, casting shifting shadows across the galleries and drawing the eye toward the serene Nepean River gardens outside. This deliberate harmony between art and nature creates an atmosphere of contemplative stillness, making it an ideal destination for interior designers seeking inspiration in the seamless integration of built environments and organic beauty.
Beyond its historical anchors, Penrith Regional Gallery remains a dynamic force in the contemporary art scene, consistently championing new voices and diverse narratives. The gallery’s program is a vibrant tapestry of seasonal exhibitions that bridge the gap between established legends and emerging talents such as Brook Andrew, Leonora Howlett, and Craig Walsh. By hosting multidisciplinary installations ranging from video art to immersive sculpture, the institution ensures that its mission of provocation and conversation remains vital. It stands today as a beacon of cultural enrichment in Western Sydney, offering a holistic encounter where history, community, and innovation converge under the shade of ancient trees.
