David Bongiorno

Fascinated by the portrayal of the figure in art as a young child, he has been compelled to pursue it ever since. Recurring themes in his work explore the inherent beauty in form and movement, investigating the underlying psyche of physical expression and archetypes and the imposed meaning of objects.

Consistently exploring new media and techniques, his autodidactic studies of anatomy, composition, and art history have informed his keen interest in the human figure as the major focus of his art. Citing influences from the Renaissance to the early 20th century, David studies masterworks to learn from them as his teachers. A range of aesthetics and philosophies inform his work including realism, expressionism, still life, 20th-century nude photography, fashion, dance, and design.

David also uses his experience in management to help drive his vision for a flourishing art culture in his community through curating group exhibitions, creative event collaborations, teaching, and mentoring.

Art Prizes

2024  The Kennedy Art Prize, Finalist, Royal South Australian Society of Arts, Adelaide, SA
2024  The Agency Still Life Prize, Finalist, Bowral Art Gallery, Bowral, NSW
2024  Lethbridge 20,000 Small Scale Art Prize, Finalist, Highly Commended, Brisbane, Qld
2023  Australian Wearable Art Festival, Finalist, Sunshine Coast, Qld
2023  Mary Valley Art Festival, Finalist, Imbil, Qld
2023  “Fifty Squared” art prize, Finalist, Brunswick Gallery, Brunswick, Vic
2023  Waterbrook Drawing Prize, Finalist, Highly Commended, Bowral Art Gallery, Bowral, NSW
2022  Australian Wearable Art Festival, finalist, Winner- Best Emerging Wearable Artist award Sunshine Coast, Qld
2022  Small Works Art Prize, participating artist, Brunswick Street Gallery, Melbourne
2015  Manning Art Prize: Naked and Nude, finalist, Manning Regional Art Gallery, Taree, NSW

Exhibitions

2024  "A Wearable Canvas" exhibition, Cardinia Cultural Centre, Melbourne, Vic, Participating artist
2023  In Process- Form and Function, Live drawing performance with contemporary dancer/ choreographer Fiona Jopp
and singer/ composer Tobias Merz, Maleny equestrian arena, Maleny, Qld
2023  “A Wearable Canvas” exhibition, Caloundra Regional Gallery, Participating artist
2022   In Process, Live drawing performance  with contemporary dancer Fiona Jopp, Maleny Community Centre, Maleny, Qld
2020   ‘Maleny Cream at the Butter Factory’, group exhibition, curator and participating artist, Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre
2019  “The Magic of Mary Cairncross”, Book launch and exhibition, contributing artist
2019  ‘Art of the Body’, group exhibition, Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre
2018  ‘Paper 2’, group exhibition, curator and contributing artist, Witta, Qld
2016  ‘New Works by David Bongiorno’, solo exhibition, MAD Gallery, Maleny, Qld
2014  ‘Vive l’Homme’, group exhibition, Lust for Life Gallery, Fortitude Valley, Qld
2014  Group Exhibition, Gatakers Artspace Regional Gallery, Maryborough, Qld
2013  ‘Torsos II’, solo exhibition, The Upfront Club, Maleny, Qld
2004  ‘Torsos’, solo exhibition, Steps Gallery, Carlton, Vic

Curating, Teaching and Other

2025  McGregor Summer School, USQ, Tutor, "Anatomical Figure Drawing" 5 day workshop
2024  Bienarte Art School, Brisbane Campus, Tutor, 2 day life drawing workshop
2024  Kenilworth Art Prize, Judge, Kenilworth Arts Fest 2024, Qld
2024  McGregor Summer School, UniSQ, Tutor, "Anatomical Figure Drawing" 7 Day Workshop
2023  Life Drawing 3 Hour Workshop series- Hands, Feet, Heads, Arms, Legs, The Joy Collective, Maleny
2023  McGregor Winter School, USQ, Tutor, “Anatomical Figure Drawing” 5 day workshop
2023  McGregor Winter School, USQ, panel participant, “Art Business- What it takes to be an artist”
2023  Open Studios Sunshine Coast, participating artist
2023  Costume drawing workshop, Caloundra Regional Gallery, Workshop Facilitator, Calloundra, Qld
2023  “A Wearable Canvas Exhibition” Opening, Exhibiting Artist Speech for exhibition opening
2023  “Synchronicity” exhibition artist interview, Interviewer. Interview with exhibiting artists,
Richard Muldoon and Laura Vecmane, Zone Gallery, Maleny, Qld
2023  Bella Figura-Part 1 and Part 2. 2 day life drawing workshops, tutor
2022  “Field Notes” Group Exhibition artist interview, Interviewer. Interview with participating artists Nicky Carey, Kim Herringe,
Annie McIntosh, Richard Muldoon, Gary Myers, Belinda Stanton, Laura Vecmane, Zone Gallery, Maleny, Qld
2022  Bella Figura! 2 Day Life Drawing workshop, workshop designer and tutor
2021  Open Studios Sunshine Coast, participating artist
2020  ‘Maleny Cream at the Butter Factory’, group exhibition, curator, Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre, Cooroy, Qld
2018  ‘Paper 2’, group exhibition, curator, Old Witta School, Witta, Qld