David Kemp, a pioneering Australian sculptor whose work ranged from small-scale kinetic pieces to large environmental installations, has died at the age of 87. His family confirmed his death on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Early Life and Education
Born in Melbourne in 1939, Kemp studied at the National Gallery School of Victoria before traveling to London in the 1960s. There, he was influenced by the kinetic art movement and began experimenting with moving sculptures.
Career Highlights
Kemp returned to Australia in the 1970s and established a studio in Sydney. He became known for his "wind-activated" sculptures, which used natural forces to create movement. One of his most famous works, "The Wind Tree" (1985), was installed in Canberra's Commonwealth Park.
In the 1990s, Kemp shifted focus to environmental art, creating large-scale installations that addressed climate change and sustainability. His 1998 work "Iceberg" was a floating sculpture made of recycled materials, exhibited in Sydney Harbour.
Legacy
Kemp's work is held in major Australian galleries, including the National Gallery of Australia and the Museum of Contemporary Art. He was awarded the Australia Council Visual Arts Fellowship in 2003.
He is survived by his wife, two children, and three grandchildren.
