In the north of Australia there is a city called Bundaberg which not only is home to Shane Foley but also to a cool art gallery exhibition at the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery. This gallery opens 18 November 2023 and runs until 4 February 2024.
This event will house over 100 pieces of original Phantom artwork from Shane Foley's own hand plus other original artwork and merchandise from local Phantom collectors. Thanks to the readers of this website, a phan has provided a copy of Frew #1 which will be on display to see. Other merchandise will include an assortment of Phantom rings and Papua New Guinea Phantom war shields.
Shane Foley has confirmed that his artwork being presented will be 11 original Frew covers, 50 to 60 interior pages and plenty of other roughs and preliminaries. This could well be the biggest collection of original Phantom comic artwork displayed for public viewing in Australia.
We also have confirmation that there will be special sections of the exhibition including one on the female Phantoms of the universe, Kid Phantom and the showing of the 1943 Phantom serial.
There are two special Phantom events and the details are:
Exhibition Opening Event
Friday 17 November, 5.30 pm
Be the first to experience The Phantom take-over at Bundaberg Regional Galleries by joining us at the Premiere Opening Night! Join resident Phantom illustrator, Shane Foley, along with other artists and illustrators as we celebrate this suite of unique exhibitions developed especially for Bundaberg Regional Galleries.
Phantom Phenomenon
Saturday 18 November, 10 am to 2 pm
Don’t miss the chance to get up close and personal with all things Phantom at our Phantom Phenomenon event! Comic book signings, artist talks with Shane Foley and Paul Mason, and merch stalls will all take place alongside the phenomenol new Phantom: Off the Drawing Board exhibition.
From their website, the event describes itself as:
Step into the extraordinary world of Lee Falk’s iconic creation, ‘The Phantom’ in a captivating and immersive comic exhibition like no other! Phantom: Off the Drawing Board will take visitors on a thrilling journey through the mysterious and action-packed universe of The Phantom. With a rich international history spanning over eight decades, this immersive showcase delves into the Australian illustrators who have left their mark on the character, in particular Bundaberg based illustrator, Shane Foley. Curated by Gallery Director, Rebecca McDuff, with the support of Australian Frew Publications, this never-before-seen collection of original artworks, vintage comic covers, and rare memorabilia, provides a unique opportunity to explore the enduring legacy of this masked crusader and experience exclusive behind the scenes insights into the creative minds that bring this hero to life.
Date: 18th November 2023 - 4th February 2024 Hours: Weekdays (9:30am to 5pm) & Weekends (10am to 2pm)
Cost: FREE
Location: Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery (1 Barolin Street Bundaberg)
