Stuart (Stu) Robertson

Stu Robertson's artistic practice has developed and been refined over 20 years, and in the past 18 months his photographic work has gained huge momentum internationally.    

Committed to a purist approach, Robertson trusts in elemental light and composition to draw his visual narratives.  His obsessive compulsion is restrained by the frame of dimensions in time and physical space.

Accepted into a prestigious photography course at the age of 17, Robertson  decided to instead qualify in marketing and advertising. He spent time experimenting with commercial photography in the 1990s and early 2000s while simultaneously focusing on building a collection of businesses in the creative fields of advertising, publishing, production, catering, brand activation and events.   

In 2011 he stepped back from his operational position as MD of The Orange Group, to focus fully on his artistic practice and passion for photography.   The decision has seen him traverse many countries and cities, camera in hand, developing a prolific body of work that captures his alternate and haunting view of architecture, people, events and conversations.

In 2012 Robertson & his business partner opened Studio66 in Queenstown, New Zealand, a 2000 sq. ft. gallery space that is also used as a studio and project office for this project, Peace in 10,000 Hands.

Peace in 10,000 Hands draws inspiration from Robertson's compulsive photographic eye, and his desire to both make the world a better place and to create history through art. The project ‘Peace in  10,000  Hands’  will  see him continue  to travel  the world  over  the next  three  years  and will culminate in an international exhibition, book and film that will further the conversation for peace and allow him to raise funds for charity and peace along the way.

He is the first New Zealand photographer to be featured and supported by Leica, the world’s oldest and most respected camera brand. In August 2013 he was invited to lecture as the featured artist for the Leica Street Photography workshop in Los Angeles.     

Robertson’s passion for seeing the world through an alternate view runs deep. His grandfathers were  both  prolific  photographers  with  their  own  darkrooms,  and  their  love  for  the  medium underpins the artist's own obsession.

Robertson has also been selected for representation by respected art curators and collectors David Teplitzky and Peggy Scott from Conceptio Art, whose extensive modern art collection is exhibited in galleries and museums on every continent.

The Project - Peace in 10,000 hands, http://www.peacein10000hands.com/?page_id=12