Spot the Difference

What’s the difference between fact and fiction? Can you spot the difference? Ask anyone in Penrith, and they will have heard of the myth of the panther. In fact, most have seen it, or know someone who has.

With origins that span from circus escapees, World War II mascots, and the trade of exotic animals from the 19th Century, it’s a tale that has people sitting in one of two camps – fact or fiction. Spot the Difference brings together artists from Penrith and across Australia to celebrate and interrogate the story of ‘The Big Black Cat’ as a foundational mythology for our region.

Working across drawing, painting, sculpture, fashion and installation, these artists highlight the varying origins of the mythology, and the ways in which the story is being told and retold today. Either way, it’s a story that’s connected with Penrith, not least because of the success of the Penrith Panthers football club.

So what happens if we give credence to the story? What can it tell us about the character, identity, and communities of a place like Penrith? A place on the urban and rural divide, where the settled and the wilderness meet. A place where the panther has become synonymous with pride from coming from the west. Where it counts to stand up, be counted and be seen. And where excellence – across culture, sport and community – can be found hiding in plain sight. After all, even panthers have spots, you just have to look a little closer.

Spot the Difference is supported by Penrith City Council, Penrith Performing & Visual Arts, the NSW Government through Create NSW, and TLE Electricals.

With: Abdul-Rahman Abdullah, Billy Bain, Daniel Boyd, Shannon Boyd, Blak Douglas, Troy Emery, Lyndal Irons, Claudia Nicholson, Jason Phu & Maja Baska, Anna Louise Richardson, Kate Rohde, Osselan Tupai Scanlan, Regina Walter, Chris Whiticker, Linda Brescia.