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David Bromley

David Bromley is an Australian artist renowned for his vibrant paintings and sculptures, often depicting children, birds, butterflies, and female nudes. His work blends pop art influences with personal narratives, earning him recognition as one of Australia's most collectible contemporary artists.

Table of Contents

Teaching Resources for David Bromley (paid plans only)

Art Minute

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Art Minute: David Bromley
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Window to the Soul

Title: David Bromley - Window to the Soul
Duration: 03:50
Year: 2012
Director/DOP: Peter M Lamont
Music: Peter M Lamont

To celebrate Australian Winemaking legend Wolf Blass; 80th birthday, Treasury Wine Estates commissioned David Bromley to create a series of portraits. This short film looks at Bromley’s approach to creating a portrait and explores his unique perspective and oeuvre.


A Picture Book

Title: David Bromley - A Picture book
Duration: 05:31
Year: 2012
Director/DOP: Peter M Lamont
Music: Peter M Lamont

David Bromley’s ‘A Picture Book (first and foremost)’ is a printed photographic documentary in three volumes. Hard-cover bound in a heavy custom case, these three volumes represents a snapshot in the life of one of Australia’s most successful artists.

The publication is presented in two unique editions: A standard edition and a bespoke limited edition. The standard edition presents three books within a hand made slip case with accompanying mailer, while the limited edition presents the three volumes in a hand made leather school bag, hand bound and painted leather/canvas covers and a limited edition print.

From the children’s volume featuring his famous ‘Boys Own’ series, through his figurative yet abstract explorations of the nude female form, to intimate – almost voyeuristic – views of his very private inner spaces, these volumes are indeed a rare treat.

Designed by 3 Deep Design, images by Earl Carter and words by Matthew Sturgis and Ashley Crawford, A Picture Book First and Foremost is a stunning example of Australian Cultural publishing.


The Byron Bay Studio

Title: David Bromley - The Byron Bay Studio
Duration: 03:16
Year: 2012
Director/DOP: Peter M Lamont
Music: CCR & Peter M Lamont

A rare private view into David Bromley's Byron Bay studio as he discusses art and life without flying. David's partner Yuge Yu is heavily pregnant with their first child Wen who is born during shooting. The extended video (soon to come) also features US Country/Folk/Rock star Donovan Frankenreiter who, along with bandmate Matt Grundy and Australian stars Kate Ceberano and Andrew Stockdale (Wolfmother), record Mungo Jerry's 1970 hit 'In the Summertime' while David paints in the background.

Matt Grundy 2012

About David Bromley

Early Life and Background
Born in 1960 in Sheffield, England, David Bromley immigrated to Australia with his family in 1964, settling in Adelaide. His early years were marked by a passion for creativity, which later translated into a successful career in the arts.

Artistic Development and Education
Bromley emerged as a painter in the mid-1980s, initially working as a potter before transitioning to painting. He is largely self-taught, developing a distinctive style that combines a love of found images, photographic sources, and mass media references with an inventive relish for the effects of paint.

Major Works and Exhibitions
Bromley's oeuvre includes two major bodies of work: the 'Boys Own' adventure series and the 'Female Nude' series. His 'Boys Own' series draws inspiration from childhood books, featuring imagery of children, birds, and butterflies, while his 'Female Nude' series portrays the female form in contemporary fashion. He has exhibited extensively across Australia and internationally, with his works held in collections such as the National Gallery of Victoria and the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Technique and Style
Bromley's art is characterised by graphic brushwork and heavy layering of paint, applied until the boundaries between the colour of the background, foreground, and subject are indistinguishable. His use of metallic paints and leaf, combined with bold colours and black outlines, creates a striking aesthetic that melds figurative expressionism with Pop Art sensibilities.

Legacy and Influence
Recognised as one of Australia's 50 most collectible artists, Bromley has been a finalist in the Archibald Prize six times, underscoring his significant impact on the Australian art scene. His innovative approach and distinctive style have influenced a generation of artists, cementing his place in contemporary art history.

Recent Activities
In recent years, Bromley has expanded his artistic practice to include collaborations with various brands and ventures into interior design, reflecting his versatile creativity. He continues to produce and exhibit new works, maintaining a prominent presence in the art world.

References

  1. Addicted Art Gallery - David Bromley Biography
  2. The Cat Street Gallery - David Bromley Biography
  3. Artnet - David Bromley
  4. Ode To Art - David Bromley
  5. KAB Gallery - David Bromley

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