Brushstrokes of History

National Exhibition Register

  • The Abduction
    David Hart The Abduction, 2016
    Medium
    Acrylic
    Dimensions
    815 x 1015mm

About the exhibition

Brushstrokes of History explores early Australian history from a personal and artistic perspective. Coloured through my reactions and artwork, the inspiring stories of our past are presented within an extraordinary 50-piece exhibition of carefully curated artworks and accompanying book.

My dedication to complete this series has now spanned over eighteen years and was motivated by my journey of exploration of the often misunderstood, or lesser-known, aspects of early Australian history. With a focus on resilience, resistance, and the enduring consequences of the European invasion, these confronting and inspiring stories come to life on canvas as they capture significant moments from the past, and offer a visual storytelling experience like no other.              

- David Hart - Artist and Author

 

Each painting invites us to ask questions and explore more, just as the accompanying text shows that David has done. I sincerely hope that viewers of these paintings and readers of the accompanying book take up this invitation. The journey may be harrowing and confronting, but you will discover amazing stories and inspiring people; begin to understand how the Indigenous past and present connect, and perhaps begin to glimpse what an honest, truly Australian history might look like.

- Paul Irish - Historian and Archaeologist. (Excerpt from Brushstroke of History Book)

 

I have included a URL link below that more broadly describes the exhibition both through imagery and through a short documentary-style interview. This exhibition was originally titled "Our Secret War", in case you were wondering why that name is mentioned.

The documentary was filmed some eight years after commencing this series work, and since that time, the artworks continued to evolve over a further 10 years of research and creative exploration. The completed exhibition has taken more than 18 years to complete and has since been re-titled as Brushstrokes of History.

It is also worth noting that this exhibition already has a full logistics sponsorship from IAS (International Art Services) who have offered to crate and freight this exhibition anywhere in Australia for as long as it continues to tour.

Copies of the fully illustrated book can be sent upon request.

Artists and Curator

Curator
David Hart - Artist and Author & Dr Paul Irish - Archaeologist and Historian
Artists

David Hart - Based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.Visual artist and published author. 37 years full-time career in the arts. A full biography can be provided on request or can be viewed on my website - https://davidhart.com.au/about/

Available Dates and
Exhibition Details

Available dates
01/09/2024 - 01/09/2039
Exhibition size
Over 100 sq or running metres
Originating state
QLD
Organised by
David Hart Studios, Sheldon, Queensland.
Price
Contact to discuss
Accompanying materials available
Catalogue/Book, Digital Catalogue, Education Kit, Invitations or Invitation Template, Labels, Media Kit
Other materials
The entire exhibition has been digitally scanned so we can create whatever supporting materials that may be needed for gallery bookshops or gallery gift shops. Currently, we have printed the fully illustrated book that accompanies this exhibition. This book would be perfect for gallery bookshops. We can also create and supply the following items. rolled reproduction images of every artwork within the exhibition. mugs, tea towels, aprons, placemats & coasters, trivets, crystal blocks, cushion covers, and jigsaws.
Primary contact
David Hart
Position
Artist, Author, CEO of Hart group of companies.
Organisation
David Hart Galleries
Phone
0411307307
E-mail
david@davidhart.com.au
Secondary contact
Christine Hart
Phone
0411154334
E-mail
chris@davidhart.com.au