David Hart Biography
David Hart, born in 1971 in the outback mining town of Broken Hill, NSW, is the son of the late Pro Hart—an iconic Australian artist and miner. Immersed in creativity from an early age, David grew up surrounded by art, often working side-by-side with his father in one of the many studios on the family property. Under Pro’s quiet mentorship, David explored painting, sculpting, enamelling, casting, and welding—learning through exposure, experimentation, and self-discovery rather than formal training.
At the age of sixteen, David completed his first series of paintings, marking the beginning of a full-time artistic career that now spans over 35 years. Today, he is recognised as one of Australia’s most collected and celebrated contemporary artists.
David’s creative philosophy is deeply rooted in exploration. He is known for his innovative use of materials and techniques, with a passion for allowing mistakes and accidents to inform his process. For David, art is a dynamic conversation between vision and medium, where spontaneity often leads to the most profound discoveries.
Artistic Influences and Philosophy
David credits his late father Pro Hart as a primary influence—offering not traditional instruction, but the freedom to discover. Pro never imposed his methods, instead providing an environment rich in opportunity and creative tools. David believes that art cannot be taught; only technique and commitment to discovery can be passed on. He often reflects on his belief that creativity lies dormant within everyone—like a door waiting to be opened.
One of David’s earliest and most powerful memories was watching a black-and-white film of Jackson Pollock as a child. Captured on his father’s Super 8 camera, the footage showed Pollock painting with total freedom—pouring paint directly onto a canvas outdoors, cigarette in mouth, becoming part of his work. That moment sparked a lifelong desire in David to connect with the canvas in the same immersive way. To this day, he occasionally re-watches that footage to reconnect with the inspiration it gave him.
David also draws influence from his upbringing in Broken Hill. Its rugged beauty, vast landscapes, and rich characters left a permanent imprint on his artistic vision. While his style continues to evolve, his work is always anchored in authenticity—painting from the soul, driven by curiosity, and pushing the boundaries of medium and colour.
Career Milestones & Global Recognition
David’s artwork is featured in prestigious private and public collections worldwide, including:
The Lord Earl Spencer Collection
Governor of Bangkok Collection
Mayor of Kaohsiung & Mayor of Taipei Collections
Donald Trump Collection
Chairman of Formosa Plastics Group Collection
City of Kobe Collection
FIFA President João Havelange Collection
President Frederick Chiluba of Zambia Collection
Nicole Kidman, John Howard (former Australian Prime Minister), James Morrison, Marcia Hines, Vanessa Amorosi, and others
Chronological Career Highlights
1989–1995
First gallery representation at Ant Hill Gallery, Broken Hill
Marries Christine Hunt and begins painting from their kitchen table
Opens first gallery: Hart Family Collection Gallery
Begins mobile exhibitions across NSW, VIC, and SA
Moves to Brisbane; gains representation in QLD galleries
1996–2000
Builds first home, gallery, and studio in Albany Creek
Holds annual exhibitions with Sheraton and Hilton Hotels
Commissioned by Brisbane Lord Mayor and Motorline BMW
First solo QLD exhibition filmed by ABC TV for The Australian Story
Paints for the 2000 Paralympic Opening Ceremony
2001–2006
Opens galleries in Mooloolaba and Noosa
Florence Biennale representation
Letter of praise from Donald Trump after visit to New York
Publishes biography on Pro Hart
2007–2010
Begins Our Secret War series exploring First Fleet impact on Aboriginal Australians
Launches David Hart Homewares and Inspiration product ranges
Collaborates with Porsche Brisbane on “Metal & Canvas” exhibition
2011–2013
Maxwell & Williams global product line launched, including mugs sold in Harrods
Hart Special Edition wine collaboration with Norman’s Wines
Paints mural for Telstra’s 2012 London Olympics Hero Message campaign
Invited on Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Trade Delegation to Asia
Art hangs in QLD Parliament
Exhibits and collaborates with designer Lie Sang Bong in Korea
2014–2017
Expands into Singapore and China; exhibits during G20
Features in Fort Lauderdale galleries and Miami art fair
Art used in U.S. reality TV show Jones Beach
Represented in Hong Kong, New York, The Hamptons art fairs
Painted by Jessica Le Clerc for Archibald Prize finalist piece
Collaborates with Lincoln Motor Company in China
Guest speaker for Logan City’s “Unpacking Innovation” conference
2018–2019
Featured artist in children’s book Art of the Continents
Solo exhibition at Versace, Surfers Paradise
Art permanently displayed in Hilton Surfers Paradise
Completes Our Secret War 50-piece exhibition and accompanying book
Collaborates with Flipside Circus on theatrical production concept
Hosts solo charity exhibition raising tens of thousands for rehabilitation
Commissioned by Hilton Surfers Paradise for “Hart’s Hearts”
2020–2021
Overcomes COVID challenges by selling over 110 paintings in six weeks
Purchases 2.5-acre Sheldon property to build private gallery and studio
Opens the property with a sold-out exhibition in December
2022–2023
Launches Art with Hart paint & sip, team-building, and accommodation experiences
Opens galleries at Hilton Surfers Paradise and Marina Mirage
Painting featured in Netflix series The Mole
Collaborates on giftware and homeware lines
Launches Hart with Sole hand-painted shoe range
2024–2025
Releases book Living Inspired with successful signing event
Collaborates with Scody on beachwear and cycle wear collections
Commissioned by QLD Parliament for gifts to PNG dignitaries
Guest speaker at investment seminar, resulting in strong art sales
Releases new floral art series: Cherry Blossoms and Luxe Botanicals
David Hart continues to inspire through his art, books, speaking engagements, and innovative collaborations. His passion for creativity, bold experimentation, and unwavering commitment to excellence ensure his work remains at the forefront of Australian art—capturing hearts across generations and cultures.