David Milne is a contemporary artist who was born in Scotland in 1946, and is currently based in Sydney, Australia. Milne has established himself as one of Australia's most innovative and provocative artists, with a practice that spans painting, sculpture, and installation. Milne's artistic practice is known for its' conceptual rigour and the exploration of themes such as identity, spirituality, and social justice through the mode of abstraction. He draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including popular culture, history, and contemporary politics. His work depicts a personal and collective social conscience, as a commentary and symbolic reflection of the human condition within a greater universality.
From studying painting in 1966 at the National Art College, Sydney Tech, Milne moved to London as an Art Restorer for the London Galleries, before returning to Melbourne in 1971. Milne’s work has been exhibited in over 21 major solo exhibitions, 18 group exhibitions, including a 2 man show with John Perceval, an Australia-wide touring exhibition with Museum Victoria (1993-1996), two solo shows at Spoletto, Italy, and the Australian Embassy, Tokyo. He has also been the recipient of numerous awards and grants, including the Australia Council Fellowship and the Helen Lempriere Scholarship.
Milne is deeply committed to using his art as a tool for social change and activism, reflected through his use of colour, shape and texture to create depth. He has worked on a number of public art projects that engage with contemporary social issues, and he is vocal advocate for the role of art in shaping public discourse. Milne's art continues to evolve and push boundaries, reflecting his deep engagement with the social and political issues of our time. His works have been praised for their intellectual depth, their emotional resonance, and their powerful critique of contemporary society. He is widely regarded as one of Australia's most important and influential contemporary artists working today.
Education
1966
National Art School, Sydney Technical College, Sydney, Australia
Selected Exhibitions
2019
Jacob Hoerner Galleries, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2018
Jacob Hoerner Galleries, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia
2017
Eastgate Gallery, Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia
2016
Eastgate Gallery, Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia
2015
Eastgate Gallery, Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia
2014
Eastgate Gallery, Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia
2013
Art Nomad, Brighton, Melbourne, Australia
2009
ACGA Gallery, Federation Square, Melbourne, Australia
2007
Artistry Gallery, Armadale, Melbourne, Australia
2006
Artistry Gallery, Armadale, Melbourne, Australia
2005
Artistry Gallery, Armadale, Melbourne, Australia
2004
Artistry Gallery, Armadale, Melbourne, Australia
2003
Temple Gallery, Sorrento, Victoria, Australia
2002
Smyrnios Gallery, Prahran, Melbourne, Australia
2001
Smyrnios Gallery, Prahran, Melbourne, Australia
2000
Smyrnios Gallery, Prahran, Melbourne, Australia
1999
Shanghai, China
1998
Shanghai, China
1997
Shanghai, China
1996-93
My Heart is Breaking Museum of Victoria, Touring Exhibition, Australia-wide
1992
Australian Trade Centre, Wanchai, China
Gallery Mei, Tokyo, Japan
1991
Australian Embassy, Tokyo, Japan
1990
Qdos Gallery, Lorne, Victoria, Australia
1989
Qdos Gallery, Lorne, Victoria, Australia
1988
Alexandra Galleries, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
1987
John Hoerner Galleries, South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia
1986
John Hoerner Galleries, South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia
1985
John Hoerner Galleries, South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia
1983
John Hoerner Galleries, South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia
1982
John Hoerner Galleries, South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia
1981
John Hoerner Galleries, South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia
1980
John Hoerner Galleries, South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia
1979
Avant Galleries, South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia
Spolletto Art Festival, Italy
1978
Avant Galleries, South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia
1977
Avant Galleries, South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia
1976
Avant Galleries, South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia
1975
Avant Galleries, South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia
1974
Andrew Ivanyi Galleries, Toorak, Melbourne, Australia
1973
Andrew Ivanyi Galleries, Toorak, Melbourne, Australia
1972
Andrew Ivanyi Galleries, Toorak, Melbourne, Australia
Awards and Recognition
2019
Sydney Contemporary Represented by Jacob Hoerner Galleries, Carriageworks, Sydney, Australia
2018
Sydney Contemporary Represented by Jacob Hoerner Galleries, Carriageworks, Sydney, Australia
Collections
Newcastle Regional Art Gallery
Benalla Regional Art Gallery
Corporate & Private Collections in Australia, Asia, Europe and the UK
Currently open
online or by
appointment only
