Shadow Dance: Castlemaine Artist Martin Lewis

Shadow Dance
The Life and Times of Castlemaine Artist Martin Lewis 1881-1962

A Documentary by Marianne Latham & Bryan Dawe

Plus Q & A: `MC Elly Varrenti with Bryan Dawe and Emma Busowsky, Curator Bendigo Gallery

World `Premiere Screening

Martin Lewis (1881–1962) is widely recognised as one of the most accomplished master printmakers of the early twentieth century. Born in Castlemaine, Victoria, Lewis discovered his lifelong passion for drawing as a child, receiving his first formal art instruction locally before leaving home at age fifteen. After traveling through New South Wales and studying briefly in Sydney under Julian Ashton, he emigrated to the United States in 1900. Settling in New York City, Lewis forged a legendary career capturing the rhythm, motion, and grit of the modern metropolis. 

He became a master of light and shadow, famously mentoring his contemporary Edward Hopper in the technical nuances of etching. Characterised by an evocative, noir-like atmosphere, his dry-points and etchings offer a brilliant window into urban immigrant life, late-night commerce, and moody cityscapes. Today, his masterpieces reside in prestigious global collections including The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Smithsonian.

This is a special documentary film directed and produced by acclaimed filmmaker Marianne Latham and celebrated Australian satirist and artist Bryan Dawe. Their film offers a profound, visual exploration of Lewis's life, his extraordinary technical journey, and his deep-seated connections back to regional Victoria. Together, the artwork and film celebrate the enduring legacy of a Castlemaine local who conquered the international art world.

Saturday 7 November 5pm
The Coolroom Northern Arts Hotel

Djaara Country 359 Barker St Castlemaine

events.humanitix.com/shadow-dance

Martin Lewis (Australian, 1881-1962)
Shadow Dance
1930 
Drypoint and sandpaper ground
9 1/2 x 10 7/8 in
Collection of Dr. Dorrance T. Kelly
© Estate of Martin Lewis

DRYPOINT

An intaglio technique, drypoint is usually done on copper plates as the softer metal lends itself to this technique. (Intaglio refers to any printmaking process which involves making incisions or indents in a plate, so when the ink is applied and then wiped off, ink remains caught in the incisions and creates the image).

The process of incising for drypoint creates a slightly raised ragged rough edge to the lines, known as the burr. When ink that has been applied to the plate is wiped off both the incised line and specifically the burr receive ink when the plate is wiped, giving the printed line a distinctive velvety look. Owing to the delicate nature of the burr, drypoint is usually made in small editions, stopping before the burr is crushed by the pressure of the intaglio press. Drypoint is often combined with other intaglio techniques, such as etching.