Artist and researcher, David is Director, Margaret Lawrence Gallery, Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne.
Much of David’s studio practice has focused on the use of colour and geometry in the creation of contemplative experiences. His current research explores curatorship as art practice and incorporates painting, sculpture, installation, photography, curatorship and audience engagement.
Born in India and educated in Australia, David is constantly exploring the relationship between the two countries. For over 20 years he has worked with a group of traditional miniaturists in Udaipur, India. The resulting works can be connected with issues around change and continuity, high and low art and the reverberations of colonisation.
David has exhibited his work extensively throughout Australia and his work is held in important public collections including the National Gallery of Australia.
He is the recipient of several residencies and awards including the Australia Council for the Arts studio residency in Paris, the Collex Museum of Contemporary Art acquisitive prize, Artist in residence at the University of Texas, Dallas and the Wyndham Art Prize.
Prior to his current role, David held senior positions in public cultural institutions including the National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, National Film and Sound Archive, Australian Parliament House and Old Parliament House, Canberra.