The Lock-Up Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Listed in the New South Wales Heritage Register, The Lock-Up was the Newcastle Police Station and lock up from 1861 until its closure in 1982.
The building includes a purpose built gallery space, rare heritage listed cells, an event and installation space in what was the former exercise yard. The Lock-Up’s nationally renowned Artist in Residence (AIR) Program provides a work environment and community engagement opportunities for contemporary artists working across a broad range of disciplines.
Lewis explored the concept of ‘deindividuation’ during his residency, where uniforms , costumes and masks promote anonymity and reduce personal accountability in prison power relationships. Using the prison facility as a back drop and pin hole photography as a means of expression, Lewis was able to capture the surreal environment of prison existence. The results reflect an ethereal ambiguity, reminiscent of ‘Trophy shots’, where those in power assert a status and control over others.