Myth Or Legend - The Black Panther Stalks Into Penrith

The infamous and elusive panther said to roam Penrith, the Blue Mountains and beyond is the focus of a major exhibition - Spot the Difference - presented by Penrith Regional Gallery from November 9, 2024 to February 16, 2025.

Original commissioned works examine the modern myth of the Blue Mountains panther, not only as a symbol of mystery and intrigue, but as a foundational story for the evolving identity of Penrith and its communities.

The Gallery has invited 18 artists from Penrith, Western Sydney and beyond to present new or existing bodies of work that connect with the mythology and iconography of the panther, or engage with the cultural and social functions of myth and storytelling in contemporary culture.

Stories of the panther in NSW have been reported for more than a century; in the past 20 years sightings have increased dramatically, locally and across Australia.

Government enquiries have investigated videos, photos and giant paw prints held up as evidence, eye witness accounts documented, yet no one seems closer to conclusively proving the existence of these wild animals living in close proximity to humans.

The image of the panther has become synonymous with a sense of place and pride for local residents across Western Sydney.

This includes its powerful association with the Penrith Panthers and its passionate local fans who have been rewarded seeing their team win three successive premierships from 2021 to 2023.

Spot the Difference draws a connection between the resurgence of the panther myth, its prevalence within the region’s visual landscape, from the NRL Club to local business names and logos, and the role myth plays in contemporary society around community building.

The panther is also considered a metaphor for colonisation, adaptation and migration, as an introduced species most probably brought to Australia by boat, that has adapted, spread and now appears to roam the land unchecked.

The exhibition includes new commissions by Abdul-Rahman Abdullah, Billy Bain, Claudia Nicholson, Jason Phu and Regina Walter, and the works responding to this theme include textiles, ceramics, paintings, drawings, photography and printmaking.

Director of Penrith Regional Gallery and Exhibition Curator Toby Chapman said since moving to the area he’d been enamoured by the mythology of the black panther.

“It’s a story that is both deeply connected to our local context and has universal resonance,” Mr Chapman said.

“It speaks to themes of contact on the urban/rural fringe; of displacement and settlement; and of course the idea that each time we evoke the image of the panther, in so many different forms, we reinvigorate the myth.

“Strengthened by the Penrith Panthers’ triumphs on the field, the symbolism of the panther is now associated with ideas of community pride and resilience; of what it means to be successful and proud of being from the West.

“It’s been eye-opening, inspiring and thrilling to invite this group of artists to connect with this place and the ideas associated with the panther.

“To give credence to this modern mythology and together ask the question, what can it tell us about the people and identity of Penrith?”

Spot the Difference is a celebration of local cultural diversity, including First Nations artists and the thriving creative community in the West and Blue Mountains.

It’s about celebrating and sharing this place, its people and stories.

Spot the Difference Exhibition will be open from Saturday, November 9 to February 16 2025 at Penrith Regional Gallery, 86 River Road, Emu Plains.

Contact the gallery on (02) 4735 1100 for more information.

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• Arts and Media