NEWS
“LOOBY” (Documentary 80 mins)
FREE screening - one session only:
Sat 27 Feb 8pm
The name, Keith Looby, doesn’t grab the attention like numerous other Australian artists such as Nolan, Namatjira or Streeton.
Yet Looby’s distinctive painting style drew many accolades, and sees his key works acquired by national galleries across Australia.
The Rex will be screening a free documentary about this enigmatic artist titled “LOOBY” (80 mins) on Saturday 27 February at 8pm.
A winner of prestigious art prizes such as the Archibald (portrait), Blake (religious) and Sulman (subject, genre or mural), Looby’s was an eternal “love/hate” relationship with the very discipline in which he excelled.
Born in 1940, the son of Irish Catholic immigrants, he was a dedicated socialist who forever felt on the outer.
Following numerous attempts at the Archibald prize, he won the coveted award in 1984 with a portrait of comedian Max Gillies – a performer renowned for his better-than-real-life parody of Prime Minister, Bob Hawke.
Looby also took up the indigenous cause long before it gained the prominence we know today. A series of extraordinary drawings, “A Black and White History of Australia”, illustrates the horrors of colonialism which remain confronting today.
Amongst his many artistic awards, Looby also won the Swan Hill Pioneer Art prize in 1975
Exhibiting undeniable talent, Looby’s tendency to never let go of an argument and ability to make enemies in the wider art world has largely seen him ignored in the annuals of Australian art.
This documentary explores the brilliance of his artistic visualization against a flawed personality. As one commentator said, “he has become an invisible man in the Australian art scene”.
This is an opportunity to revisit his powerful vision and exemplary technique within the context of the man himself and in the Australia of the late 20th century.
FREE screening - one session only:
Sat 27 Feb 8pm
The name, Keith Looby, doesn’t grab the attention like numerous other Australian artists such as Nolan, Namatjira or Streeton.
Yet Looby’s distinctive painting style drew many accolades, and sees his key works acquired by national galleries across Australia.
The Rex will be screening a free documentary about this enigmatic artist titled “LOOBY” (80 mins) on Saturday 27 February at 8pm.
A winner of prestigious art prizes such as the Archibald (portrait), Blake (religious) and Sulman (subject, genre or mural), Looby’s was an eternal “love/hate” relationship with the very discipline in which he excelled.
Born in 1940, the son of Irish Catholic immigrants, he was a dedicated socialist who forever felt on the outer.
Following numerous attempts at the Archibald prize, he won the coveted award in 1984 with a portrait of comedian Max Gillies – a performer renowned for his better-than-real-life parody of Prime Minister, Bob Hawke.
Looby also took up the indigenous cause long before it gained the prominence we know today. A series of extraordinary drawings, “A Black and White History of Australia”, illustrates the horrors of colonialism which remain confronting today.
Amongst his many artistic awards, Looby also won the Swan Hill Pioneer Art prize in 1975
Exhibiting undeniable talent, Looby’s tendency to never let go of an argument and ability to make enemies in the wider art world has largely seen him ignored in the annuals of Australian art.
This documentary explores the brilliance of his artistic visualization against a flawed personality. As one commentator said, “he has become an invisible man in the Australian art scene”.
This is an opportunity to revisit his powerful vision and exemplary technique within the context of the man himself and in the Australia of the late 20th century.
COVID - 19 Update 3 January 2021
A reminder to patrons dropping in for SUNDAY Coffee @ The Rex -
as per the DHHS updated restrictions, please wear a mask while indoors
unless drinking or eating.
A reminder to patrons dropping in for SUNDAY Coffee @ The Rex -
as per the DHHS updated restrictions, please wear a mask while indoors
unless drinking or eating.
COVID - 19 Update 17 September 2020
SUNDAY Coffee @ The Rex 10am - 2pm
Welcome back to Sunday dine-in coffee time!
Here's a few things to keep in mind when you drop in to share a cuppa and chat with friends:
- All patrons that dine in must sign in.
- All patrons must social distance
- All patrons must use hand sanitiser on entry
- A seating cap of 8 is in place (6 in the rex foyer and 2 in candy bar area)
- Max of 12 people in the rex at one time (8 seating, 4 take away)
We mightn't be showing movies at present, but we'd love you to call in and catch up with friends over a lazy
SUNDAY COFFEE @ The Rex.
Enjoy Cappuccinos * Lattes * Chai Tea featuring Bendigo Brewhouse products.
SUNDAY Coffee @ The Rex 10am - 2pm
Welcome back to Sunday dine-in coffee time!
Here's a few things to keep in mind when you drop in to share a cuppa and chat with friends:
- All patrons that dine in must sign in.
- All patrons must social distance
- All patrons must use hand sanitiser on entry
- A seating cap of 8 is in place (6 in the rex foyer and 2 in candy bar area)
- Max of 12 people in the rex at one time (8 seating, 4 take away)
We mightn't be showing movies at present, but we'd love you to call in and catch up with friends over a lazy
SUNDAY COFFEE @ The Rex.
Enjoy Cappuccinos * Lattes * Chai Tea featuring Bendigo Brewhouse products.
COVID - 19 Update 22 June 2020
The following is the current status of the Rex referencing
changes to the Victorian Covid 19 restrictions.
Due to a number of factors it is not viable for the Rex to
return to operation just yet.
With Hollywood withholding new film releases until the world
market is stronger, the reduction in the number of attendees,
and with concern for the safety of our patrons and volunteers,
the Rex Board is undertaking a month by month review of the
situation and will keep the community informed through updates
on our digital media platforms and through local press outlets.
While we regret the ongoing delay and understand the community’s
desire to return to normality, it is essential that continued health
compliance and availability of product are in hand before we re-open.
We thank you for your patience, and look forward to soon
welcoming you back to the Rex.
changes to the Victorian Covid 19 restrictions.
Due to a number of factors it is not viable for the Rex to
return to operation just yet.
With Hollywood withholding new film releases until the world
market is stronger, the reduction in the number of attendees,
and with concern for the safety of our patrons and volunteers,
the Rex Board is undertaking a month by month review of the
situation and will keep the community informed through updates
on our digital media platforms and through local press outlets.
While we regret the ongoing delay and understand the community’s
desire to return to normality, it is essential that continued health
compliance and availability of product are in hand before we re-open.
We thank you for your patience, and look forward to soon
welcoming you back to the Rex.
COVID-19 23 March 2020
We regret to inform our patrons and supporters that
in accordance with the Federal Government's directive
in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rex will close
from 12 midday March 23 until further notice.
in accordance with the Federal Government's directive
in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rex will close
from 12 midday March 23 until further notice.
Rex Response to COVID-19
The health and safety of our patrons and volunteering staff are of primary concern for us. We work hard to ensure that the cinema is a healthy and safe environment. The situation is being monitored and the Rex Theatre will act promptly on advice from the Australian Government Department of Health and in response to any directive from the Victorian Government.
In line with advice from the Australian Government Department of Health, at this stage it is not necessary to close the cinema, therefore we will continue to have regular sessions and operate as normal. We are taking care to be extra diligent by implementing the measures below at this time:
The health and safety of our patrons and volunteering staff are of primary concern for us. We work hard to ensure that the cinema is a healthy and safe environment. The situation is being monitored and the Rex Theatre will act promptly on advice from the Australian Government Department of Health and in response to any directive from the Victorian Government.
In line with advice from the Australian Government Department of Health, at this stage it is not necessary to close the cinema, therefore we will continue to have regular sessions and operate as normal. We are taking care to be extra diligent by implementing the measures below at this time:
- Hand sanitiser provided for patrons and the volunteers staffing the Rex
- Spacing of patrons in the cinema
- Disinfecting surfaces in public spaces between sessions
- Asking staffing volunteers and patrons with symptoms to stay home
