David Kemp, one of Australia's most celebrated abstract painters and a passionate environmental advocate, has died at the age of 79, his family confirmed on Tuesday.
A Life Dedicated to Art and Nature
Kemp, who was born in Melbourne in 1947, rose to prominence in the 1970s with his bold, colour-saturated canvases that often evoked the Australian landscape. His work is held in major public collections including the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.
In a statement, his family said Kemp died peacefully at his home in the Blue Mountains, surrounded by loved ones. “David was not only a brilliant artist but also a deeply committed environmentalist. His art and his activism were inseparable,” they said.
Artistic Legacy
Kemp's distinctive style blended abstraction with references to the natural world, particularly the eucalyptus forests and sandstone escarpments of the Blue Mountains, where he lived for more than 40 years. His series 'Forest Fire' and 'Wilderness' are considered among his most powerful works.
He was also a founding member of the Artists for the Environment collective, which campaigned against logging in old-growth forests. In 2018, he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for services to visual arts and conservation.
Impact and Recognition
Kemp's influence extended beyond Australia. His work was exhibited internationally, including at the Venice Biennale in 1986 and 1993. Art critic John McDonald described him as “a painter who could make you feel the heat of the sun and the cool of the shade in the same brushstroke.”
According to the National Gallery of Australia, Kemp's paintings have increased in value by 300% over the past decade, reflecting his enduring appeal. His final exhibition, 'After the Fires', opened in Sydney in March 2026 and sold out within hours.
Remembering a Visionary
Fellow artist and longtime friend Margaret Olley said Kemp's legacy would live on. “David taught us to see the bush not just as a place, but as a living, breathing entity. His art will continue to inspire generations to protect what he loved,” she said.
Kemp is survived by his wife, two children, and four grandchildren. A private funeral will be held, with a public memorial planned for later in the year.
