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Dave Robertson Art

South African, Zimbabwean, b. 1961
Born in Zimbabwe and based in Cape Town, Dave Robertson has been producing artwork and exhibiting since the mid-90s. Initially known for his charged documentary photography the artist now focuses on creating paintings that move beyond portraying reality. Driven by a synthesis of gestural brushstrokes and expressive smears, he offers viewers a liminal space of something that was and is becoming.. Robertson spent the early part of his journey as an artist, in the film industry freelancing as an art director. In between film projects he followed his passion for photography, documenting marginalised lifestyles as a form of social commentary. In 2010, Dave won a national prize for his Paper Trails documentary project – a piece investigating recyclers in Newtown, Johannesburg – at the Spier Contemporary Competition. After this feat, he decided to take a break from photography and the film industry and focus on painting. He had his first solo exhibition of large-scale abstract paintings in 2011 in Cape Town. He has since continued to explore the realm of abstraction. Dave works by manipulating information and impulses – presented to him during the creative process – to create a visual narrative. Relying on his ability to react to whatever marks, gestures or brushstrokes appear on the canvas, he lets the evolution of the painting guide his hand. Often working on several pieces simultaneously, operating on various degrees of awareness and intuition, he attempts to uncover what the artwork is trying to tell him. Dave intends to produce works that influence the viewer the same way the creative process influenced him. In doing so, he hopes to allow the viewer to fully appreciate the autonomy and uniqueness of each of his works. Dave has exhibited prolifically in solo and group shows at galleries spanning Germany, the USA, the Netherlands and South Africa. His paintings have been acquired by a variety of international collectors from the UK, the USA, Australia and Sweden.
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Artist: Dave Robertson
Large Orange Abstract Acrylic Painting on Plywood "Synchronous Change"
Large Orange Abstract Acrylic Painting on Plywood "Synchronous Change"

Large Orange Abstract Acrylic Painting on Plywood "Synchronous Change"

By Dave Robertson

Located in Cape Town, ZA

Robertson focuses on creating paintings that move beyond portraying reality. Driven by a synthesis of gestural brushstrokes and expressive smears, he offers viewers a liminal space o...

Category

2010s Contemporary Dave Robertson Art

Materials

Varnish, Acrylic, Plywood

Large Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas "Beneficial Combinations"
Large Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas "Beneficial Combinations"

Large Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas "Beneficial Combinations"

By Dave Robertson

Located in Cape Town, ZA

Robertson focuses on creating paintings that move beyond portraying reality. Driven by a synthesis of gestural brushstrokes and expressive smears, he offers viewers a liminal space o...

Category

2010s Contemporary Dave Robertson Art

Materials

Canvas, Varnish, Acrylic

Oversized Blue and Orange Abstract Acrylic Painting on Plywood "Come As You Are"
Oversized Blue and Orange Abstract Acrylic Painting on Plywood "Come As You Are"

Oversized Blue and Orange Abstract Acrylic Painting on Plywood "Come As You Are"

By Dave Robertson

Located in Cape Town, ZA

Robertson focuses on creating paintings that move beyond portraying reality. Driven by a synthesis of gestural brushstrokes and expressive smears, he offers viewers a liminal space o...

Category

2010s Contemporary Dave Robertson Art

Materials

Canvas, Varnish, Acrylic

Large Abstract Landscape Acrylic Painting on Canvas "Cross Pollination"
Large Abstract Landscape Acrylic Painting on Canvas "Cross Pollination"

Large Abstract Landscape Acrylic Painting on Canvas "Cross Pollination"

By Dave Robertson

Located in Cape Town, ZA

Robertson focuses on creating paintings that move beyond portraying reality. Driven by a synthesis of gestural brushstrokes and expressive smears, he offers viewers a liminal space o...

Category

2010s Contemporary Dave Robertson Art

Materials

Canvas, Varnish, Acrylic

Large Abstract Textured Oil Painting on Dibond "Beyond Borders"
Large Abstract Textured Oil Painting on Dibond "Beyond Borders"

Large Abstract Textured Oil Painting on Dibond "Beyond Borders"

By Dave Robertson

Located in Cape Town, ZA

Robertson focuses on creating paintings that move beyond portraying reality. Driven by a synthesis of gestural brushstrokes and expressive smears, he offers viewers a liminal space o...

Category

2010s Contemporary Dave Robertson Art

Materials

Varnish, Oil, Board

Large Bright Green Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas "Finding Resonance"
Large Bright Green Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas "Finding Resonance"

Large Bright Green Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas "Finding Resonance"

By Dave Robertson

Located in Cape Town, ZA

Robertson focuses on creating paintings that move beyond portraying reality. Driven by a synthesis of gestural brushstrokes and expressive smears, he offers viewers a liminal space o...

Category

2010s Contemporary Dave Robertson Art

Materials

Canvas, Varnish, Acrylic

Large Bright Green Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas "Abstract no. 48"
Large Bright Green Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas "Abstract no. 48"

Large Bright Green Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas "Abstract no. 48"

By Dave Robertson

Located in Cape Town, ZA

Robertson focuses on creating paintings that move beyond portraying reality. Driven by a synthesis of gestural brushstrokes and expressive smears, he offers viewers a liminal space o...

Category

2010s Contemporary Dave Robertson Art

Materials

Canvas, Varnish, Acrylic

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Dave Robertson art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Dave Robertson art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Dave Robertson in paint, varnish, acrylic paint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Dave Robertson art, so small editions measuring 40 inches across are available. Dave Robertson art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,250 and tops out at $2,850, while the average work can sell for $2,445.