NEWCASTLE artist Justin Lees has marked the 20th anniversary of his father’s death in the best way he knew – with a “labour of love” exhibition.
Titled “I Saw Your Ghost Tonight”, the solo exhibition of more than 20 individual pieces began on August 4 at Lees’ Wester Gallery in Newcastle West.
It concluded last Saturday evening (August 26) with a private showing, which also included a documentary, for family and friends, to coincide with the exact anniversary of legendary Newcastle trainer Max Lees’ untimely passing in 2003.
“I was only 22 years of age when Dad died,” the youngest of the three Lees’ siblings (brother of Kris and sister of Danielle) said.
“It was a very difficult time.
“The exhibition was to both honour and pay tribute to Dad as a family man, a jockey in his earlier days and, of course, subsequently becoming a very successful trainer.
”I was very interested in art during my school days, and have carried that on, and also do graphic design.”
Justin Lees began the groundwork for his exhibition 18 months ago, and visited a number of places, such as Broadmeadow racecourse and Lees Racing’s Ellalong Farm in the Hunter Valley, to take photos in preparation for his art work.
Max Lees, a gentleman and highly-respected member of the racing industry, trained the winners of many of Australia’s feature races.
His 20 Group 1 winners included Sydney’s Coolmore Classic (Rosehill Gardens’ major event for fillies and mares) on five occasions.
Fittingly, his last runner, Carry On Mate, racing in his orange and black colours and ridden by Allan Robinson, was a highly emotional winner at Warwick Farm the day after his death.
Justin Lees’ paintings include the jockey’s colours of his father’s champion racehorse Luskin Star, the colossal colt from the coalfields who won Sydney’s Triple Crown – the Golden Slipper Stakes at Rosehill, and Sires Produce Stakes and Champagne Stakes at Royal Randwick – in 1977.
Kris Lees said the entire family was immensely proud of his younger brother’s work to honour their father’s memory in the manner he did.
“Justin has found his calling with his art work, and did a terrific job to put together such a great exhibition.
“I’m sure Dad would have been very proud as well.”
Justin Lees’ “I Saw Your Ghost Tonight” book is also available for purchase by clicking the link:https://www.wester.gallery/products/i-saw-your-ghost-tonight-book
*Words John Curtis, August 31, 2023 - Pics supplied*
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