Tasmanian artist David Hamilton takes centre stage in new exhibition

Image:David Hamilton working on the installation of the Fragments and Artefacts exhibition at the Museum at Inveresk. Photo: QVMAG

This Saturday celebrates the opening of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery’s latest exhibition, showcasing the incredible career of Tasmanian artist David Hamilton. 

For over four decades Hamilton has shaped an extraordinary career as a sculptor and educator, and now his practice will take centre stage in the feature exhibition David Hamilton: Fragments and Artefacts on display at the Museum at Inveresk.  

Spanning sculpture, installation, drawing and digital media, his work moves from intimate, small-scale objects to monumental public commissions.  

In his hands, metal is cast and bent to create some of the most beautiful and technically proficient works of Australian contemporary sculptural practice.   

Hamilton's artistic journey began in 1965 at the Tasmania School of Art. Initially enrolling in painting, he shifted to sculpture where he developed skills in metal work and casting. 

Artist David Hamilton said this exhibition was a culmination of over 40 years of practice.

"This exhibition is a visual diary of my life, basically," Hamilton said.

"It's showcasing various things and interests - certainly political interests, to do with forests, alongside my life, technology, and technique.

"My favorite work on display in this exhibition is Hot Sun (2025) - that's the one, that if the shed caught on fire, my workshop caught on fire, I'd grab that."

Image: David Hamilton, Hot Sun (2025). Photo: QVMAG

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the exhibition is an excellent display of Tasmanian talent. 

“This exhibition is an incredible opportunity for our local community and tourism audiences to engage with Tasmanian art practice,” Mayor Garwood said.  

“Whether you’re an arts-enthusiast, or simply looking for something new to explore, I highly recommend making the most of this free experience at the Museum at Inveresk – you won’t be disappointed.” 

QVMAG Senior Curator of Visual Art and Design, Ashley Bird, said the exhibition was an incredible representation of the life and art of David Hamilton.  

“Many people will recognise David’s work, particularly through the large-scale public sculptures featured within the Inveresk Precinct and QVMAG sites, such as Bolt and Earth Drill,” Bird said.  

“It’s been such a great journey to work with David and bring this exhibition to life, and we’re looking forward to sharing his practice through this feature exhibition to our audiences.” 

David Hamilton: Fragments and Artefacts will open on Saturday 6 September at the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk with free entry.  

For more information about this exhibition, or to register for this free event, visit www.qvmag.tas.gov.au/DavidHamilton