About
Contemporary artist, adventurer, and humanitarian Stuart Robertson melds photography, sculpture, film, and symbolism with cast glass, gold leaf, neon, light-boxes, and stone and metal fabrication to create stunning large scale artworks that speak profoundly to the viewer, causing a confrontation of one’s own preconceptions and illuminating our similarities in the human condition.
Having developed and refined his practice over 30 years, the natural evolution of Roberton’s journey and exploration as an artist has always been guided by a deep-seated passion for seeing the world through an alternate view.
His photographic work has gained momentum internationally having photographed the likes of The Dalai Lama, Demi Moore, Jacinda Ardern, Emily Blunt, Danny DeVito, Daryl Hannah, Ringo Starr, Brooke Shields, Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu and many more.
Robertson’s artworks hang in established private collections and galleries throughout New Zealand, Australia, the USA and Europe.
“Humanity is enormously powerful. Our actions and thoughts today create our future tomorrow. Each of your actions & thoughts has a subtle yet profound ripple effect. We are each responsible for, and have the ability to choose, how we influence that ripple.”
— Stu.art Robertson
1972
With his grandfather, a prominent Leica photographer who, in 1989, gave Stu his first Leica camera.
1994
Robertson spent 6 years performing as a professional magician.
2006
With Sir Edmund Hillary, one of Stu's greatest inspirations, at an event during his years designing events, brand activations, and working in advertising.
2011
En route to New York to work out how to photograph strangers holding a white rose for his new project, Peace in 10,000 Hands.
2012
The first international trip for the Peace in 10,000 Hands project, where Robertson hit his straps in bringing the vision of the project into fruition.
2012
Neon artworks are introduced into Robertson's collection. 'LOVELIFE' went on to sell in the secondary market for $25,000 at Webb’s Auctions.
2012
Gallery 66 opens in Queenstown, New Zealand as Robertson's first permanent gallery.
2014
Peace in 10,000 Hands exhibition launches at Pataka ART + Museum.
2014
Stu sharing his story of the project at the launch of the Pataka ART + Museum.
2015
His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama holds the white rose for Peace in 10,000 Hands in San Francisco, California, a pivotal moment for the project.
2015
First TedX Talk on "The Power of an Idea"
2015
Robertson becomes a Leica Ambassador
2015
Launch of Robertson's second Leica gallery show in Sydney, Australia.
2015 / 2016
First trip to Antarctica. Became an Antarctica Ambassador.
2016
Peace in 10,000 Hands travels to the remote islands and highlands of Papua New Guinea, one of the most challenging yet rewarding expeditions of Robertson's career.
2016
First fine art book, ‘Peace in 10,000 Hands The First Collection’ is published weaving the story of the formative years of the project's journey.
2017
Peace in 10,000 Hands launches its largest commercial installation project with over 500 artworks in the Crown Plaza Hotel, Christchurch, New Zealand.
2018
Street Art installation 'Wisdom of the Harakeke' painted by Kevin Ledo onto the side of the Crown Plaza Hotel, Christchurch, New Zealand.
2018 / 2019
Second trip to Antarctica for the Peace in 10,000 Hands project.
2021
Diamond dust, glitter, and gold leaf are introduced into Robertson’s practice and are debuted at Gallery 33 in Auckland, New Zealand.
2021
Gallery33 opens in Freeman’s Bay, Auckland dedicated to celebrating Robertson’s artwork.
2024
Second fine art book 'Colors of Antarctica' in production for publication.
2024
People·Place·Peace gallery opening early 2024 on Queen Street, Auckland.