A major exhibition at Wollongong Art Gallery has been abruptly closed by council officials following the arrest of the featured artist, Anthony Lister, on serious criminal charges.
Charges Lead to Immediate Closure
The street artist was arrested at his Darlinghurst home on Tuesday and faced Central Local Court on Wednesday, where he was refused bail. Police allege Lister sexually assaulted four women on separate occasions between 2015 and 2018. It is further alleged he tattooed three lines on one of those women without her consent. Three of the women were reportedly art students.
In response to the charges, Wollongong City Council acted swiftly. "Wollongong City Council is aware artist Anthony Lister was arrested by NSW Police and that court proceedings are underway," a council spokeswoman stated. "This morning we have closed his exhibition. We are following the matter closely."
Exhibition and Events Scrapped
The exhibition, titled in promotional material as capturing "the spirit of the immortal Heroes and Villains," had only just opened on Friday evening, February 29. It was scheduled to run until May 17. The gallery's promotional webpage for the event has been taken down.
The closure extends to all associated events, which included a "Junior Art Trail" scheduled for the coming Friday. Also cancelled were a planned stencil and collage workshop in May and a talk where Lister was to discuss his creative process and influences.
Police Seize Items During Raids
As part of their investigation, police executed search warrants at Lister's home and an industrial space in Marrickville. During these searches, officers seized a number of items, including:
- Four replica pistols and knuckle dusters.
- Prohibited drugs, such as methylamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, and cannabis oil.
- Computers, mobile phones, digital cameras, and various electronic storage devices.
Lister was subsequently charged with a range of offences. These include causing grievous bodily harm with intent, five counts of sexual intercourse without consent, using an intoxicating substance to commit an indictable offence, four counts of possessing a prohibited firearm, seven counts of possessing a prohibited drug, and possessing a prohibited weapon.
He is next due to appear in court on May 7, though his legal team may apply for bail before that date.
