stu.art robertson artist | adventurer | humanitarian
Peace in 10,000 Hands | The Collections ‘Scott’s Table’ photographed in Captain Scotts Hut, Antarctica 2015
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E N D O RSE
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ED PEACE IN 10,000 HANDS The global art project Stuart Robertson is photographing a single white rose, an ancient symbol of peace, in the hands of 10,000 people from every country on the planet. An evocative and unstoppable global art project, creating a visual provocation to challenge and reinvigorate the conversation for peace. Creating contemporary artworks which speak profoundly to our similariites in the human condition. Art is the borderless language, since the time of cave drawings. An idea, a spark now powered by modern social networks spreading as a living interactive global conversation for peace.
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TRIGGER
The conflict and tapestry of his life was etched onto every surface of his body and he ensured it was ‘tagged’ on his surrounding environment. Trigger made for an imposing character who held the rose only for the hope of a better future for his children. He was shot and killed in Los Angeles in October 2014, as far as we know this was one of the last portraits taken of Trigger. 1500mm x 1000mm Pulsed Colour Lightbox Edition of 11
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“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.� Stuart Robertson 6
ARTISTS BIO STUART ROBERTSON Born 1969, Auckland, New Zealand Contemporary artist, adventurer and humanitarian Stuart Robertson melds photography, sculpture, film, symbolism and social media with cast glass, neon lightboxes & metal fabrication to create stunning large scale art works that speak profoundly to the viewer, causing a confrontation of ones own preconceptions and an acknowledgement of our similarities in the human condition. Creating a global conversation and ripple effect with more than half a million followers, he draws on the phenomenal power of modern social networks and instant borderless communication that makes mankind more connected than ever before in history. Robertson has developed and refined his practice over 30 years. His works have become highly collectable and now hang in many established art collections throughout New Zealand, the USA and Europe as his profile continues to gain significant momentum globally. The artists passion for seeing the world through an alternate view runs deep. His grandfathers were both prolific photographers with their own darkrooms and camera collections. Their love for the medium underpins the artist’s own obsession.
The Artist, in his Studio in Queenstown, New Zealand
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Stuart Robertson exhibition opening speech
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Stuart Robertson, Peace in 10,000 Hands Exhibition. Pataka ART+museum 2015 10
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100% of art sal art project to c
“I’m inspired by the belief that art is intimately
entwined with the human condition and has the power to challenge and create change. I believe art can break down barriers. It can move effortlessly across borders and speak profoundly to the heart of mankind and spark emotion and inspiration in every one of us.” Stuart Robertson
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les power this global completion & create the legacy.
The Artist, on the road building the legend, photographing in Udaipur, India 2013
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WISDOM OF THE HARAKEKE “I believe in another beginning. Time, things don’t happen quick, you move with caution because if you rush across the ground you’re liable to stub your toe on a rock. When you pick a flower you make sure it’s not going to fall apart as soon as you pick it”. Whero o Te Rangi, Kuia, Parihaka, Taranaki, New Zealand 900mm x 900mm Giclée archival print, Aluminium box mount Edition of 11 14
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MAJOR EXHIBITION PROJECTS Gusford Art Gallery - Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, August 2013 Orakei Bay - Global Launch Exhibition, Auckland, New Zealand, May 2014 LAB Art Gallery, Collaboration - Los Angeles, June 2014 Arts Foundation of New Zealand - Auckland, August 2014 Arts Foundation of New Zealand - Queenstown, August 2014 LAB Art Gallery - Texas, August 2015 Auckland War Memorial Museum, International Peace Day (Film) - September, 2014 Sydney Peace Day - Sydney, September 2014 Pataka ART+ Museum - Porirua, September – November 2015 The Digital Show - Leica Gallery, Melbourne, October 2015 Page Blackie Gallery – Wellington, February 2016 Auckland Art Fair - Solo Booth - Page Blackie Gallery/Wellington, May 2016
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PERMANENT GALLERIES stu.dio66 — 66 Industrial Place - Queenstown Gallery X — 1 Khartourn Place - Auckland City
COMMERCIAL INSTALLATIONS AND COMMISSIONS Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, Glenorchy Gusto – SKYCITY Grand Hotel, Auckland City Orleans – Britomart, Auckland City Orleans – Lichfield St, Christchurch Frame – Orakei Bay, Auckland Beirut – Fort Street, Auckland City Nathan Club - Britomart Auckland City, New Zealand Oaken - Auckland CBD
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Robertson’s first four neons in all editions are sold out and are extremely popular with collectors for both private and business spaces. The subject is photographed holding the white rose with their life motto tattooed on their knuckles. Robertson then creates a facsimile of the words in neon. Acid free and museum approved ACM panels are routed and folded into boxes that hang flush on the wall 75mm deep and 1 metre square. The artwork is applied and then finally the neon.
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SOLD OUT
Stay True Griffin was photographed near Venice Beach in Los Angeles. He kept it simple & to the point. A straight up guy who lived by these two words, we all should. Peace to me means - ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you and stay true’ 1000mm x 1000mm x 70mm Hand blown glass with blue neon, Giclée archival print, Aluminium box mount Limited Edition of 5
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Sick Fuck The hands of an LA Gang Member. Location and identification confidential. 187. I am always observing and often intrigued by the choices we make as individuals to protect ourselves through adornments, material possessions, verbal and emotional armor. We all put up various forms of walls to tell the world how far away from those walls we want people to stay. 1000mm x 1000mm x 70mm Hand blown glass with red neon, Giclée archival print, Aluminium box mount Limited Edition of 5
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Love Life LOVELIFE. Perfection. A goal. The daily mission. Believe in coincidences? I bumped into Jordon on three separate occasions in Los Angeles over three weeks and in three completely different locations! ‘Love, Respect, Happiness for all’
Doll Face Rachel had two tattoos on her fingers. Once, vertically interlocking her fingers spelt ‘man eater’. Her horizontal fist spelt ‘DOLL FACE’ This photo shoot took place in the middle of the street in Hollywood, California. ‘Peace = Equality’
1000mm x 1000mm x 70mm Hand blown glass with green and red neon, Giclée archival print, Aluminium box mount Limited Edition of 5
1000mm x 1000mm x 70mm Hand blown glass with red neon, Giclée archival print, Aluminium box mount Limited Edition of 5
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Make Time Scottish beauty, Louise nestled in a glorious pink rhododendron bush in full bloom. The moment etched with the crisp bite of a Queenstown morning she shared the mantras and inscriptions of her life as a reminder to live life fully, to MAKETIME. Everyday. Every moment. “Peace means finding true happiness within yourself. Make time, live life” 1500mm x 1500mm x 70mm Hand blown glass with pink coral neon, Giclée archival print, Acrylic box mount Limited Edition of 11
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Illusion I have loved neon since a child and always wanted to work with it. In this series I identify people with meaningful phrases and explore the lettering on their fingers. Once the image is taken then the artwork is created with neon over the letters on the persons fingers. All the first editions of the first four neons sold out. ‘ILLUSION’ is is from my next editon. I was once a magician for 14 years and ‘ILLUSION’ is a nod to where I came from. 1000mm x 1000mm x 70mm Hand blown glass with pink neon, Giclée archival print, Aluminium box mount Limited Edition of 11
True Love It was not a stormy day in New Plymouth, but the shadow of the mountain cast the drama and made the perfect background for Nikki. A colourful life, with a pure heart. Your one love. Truelove. 1000mm x 1000mm x 70mm Hand blown glass with blue neon, Giclée archival print, Aluminium box mount Limited Edition of 5
Born Free I have loved neon since a child and always wanted to work with it. In this series I identify people with meaningful phrases and explore the lettering on their fingers. Once the image is taken then the artwork is created with neon over the letters on the persons fingers. All the first editions of the first four neons sold out. ‘bornfree’ is is from my next editon. I desire a free sprit and ‘bornfree’ resonates with me. 1000mm x 1000mm x 70mm Hand blown glass with pink neon, Giclée archival print, Aluminium box mount Limited Edition of 11
Love Hate The hands of an LA Gang Member. Location and identification confidential. 187. I am always observing and often intrigued by the choices we make as individuals to protect ourselves through adornments, material possessions, verbal and emotional armor. We all put up various forms of walls to tell the world how far away from those walls we want people to stay. 1000mm x 1000mm x 70mm Hand blown glass with red and blue neon, Giclée archival print, Aluminium box mount Limited Edition of 11
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Tenzin Gyatso the 14th Dalai Lama in white ‘Before taking this photograph The Dalai Lama blessed the project and the rose. After I took this photograph he blessed me. ‘The planet does not need more successful people. The planet needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds’ His Holiness The Dalai Lama 1000mm x 1000mm x 70mm Photographic transparency & archival lighbox, powdercoated aluminium frame in white Limited Edition of 3
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LIGHTBOXES
Limited Editions of 11 1000mm x 1000mm x 70mm or 1500mm x 1000mm x 70mm
Illuminated artworks that captivate and command a space. To be in the moment. A gaze held, ambient & emanating with the force of life.
“Only the most powerful
and poignant portraits are selected and produced as archival museum lightboxes.�
It took Robertson eighteen months to perfect the fabrication, lighting and final design of his lightbox series to create a museum experience transportable to the walls of a home. He produces two lighting styles using the latest LED control options. Still white light or fully controllable with interactive and programmable colour changing sequence options to last a lifetime.
Crated, ready to hang with aluminum mounting brackets, providing a flush wall mount. Plugs into any standard NZ 3pin power socket.
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“Images generate emotional sub-
conscious responses in us before conditioned intellectual objectifying of what we see gets in the way. After many viewings, I continue to find Robertson’s images emotionally moving; some profoundly so. These works seem to cut straight to the heart of what it means to be human and gently resonate it back to our own reality”
Mark Hutchins-Pond
A luminescent viewing experience. These stunning artworks are created using metallic light sensitive photographic paper, acid free aluminium and museum grade acrylic. Produced to the highest standard to maximize the depth when the light hits and reflects the colour saturation. Created, ready to hang with aluminum mounting brackets. Limited Editions of 11 1000mm x 1000mm x 9mm
We Love Too Slow 1000mm x 1000mm Facemounted Giclée archival metallic photograph print
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The Haight 1000mm x 1000mm Facemounted Giclée archival metallic photograph print
London Blue 1000mm x 1000mm Facemounted Giclée archival meta
EXIGLASS
allic photograph print
Emptiness in Harmony 1000mm x 1000mm Facemounted GiclĂŠe archival metallic photograph print
Bound 1000mm x 1000mm Facemounted GiclĂŠe archival metallic photograph print
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BOX MOU
NTED Nothing between the viewer and an unguarded moment of humanity. Famous or infamous, notorious or beloved, these portraits are selected to become iconic box mount artworks to allow the viewer to participate in the moment. Large. No glass. Approachable. Breaking conventional barriers, moving the viewers experience across borders, beckoning from passive engagement of the viewer to a more intimate experience. Standing in the moment. Bare. Honest.
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Limited edition signed photographs including portraits from the Peace in 10,000 Hands collections including: Wisdom, Grace, Tapestry of the Mind, Famous, Notorious, Antarctica & World. Museum framed and mounted photographs available in a selection of sizes 400mm to 800mm.
FRAMED
The Shadows Play
800mm x 800mm Museum framed GiclĂŠe archival photograph print
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Shackleton’s Legacy
560mm x 370mm Museum framed Giclée archival photograph print
& Pari
560mm x 370mm Museum framed Giclée archival photograph print
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‘Larger than love life’
NEON INSTALLATIONS Robertson releases the message “LOVE LIFE” from the confinement of a single image allowing it to cross it’s own border. Enabling the work to ‘explode’ in a contemporary full wall neon, light installation. 2400m x 330mm hand blown glass with green and red neon supplied with 3 5m x 3m walls of repeating monchrome wallpaper supplied. Limited edition of 11 Plugs into any standard NZ 240v 3pin power socket. 35
FEATURE WORK
LARGE SCAL
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‘The Exquisite Clarity of Standing Together’
7120mm x 2100mm (dibonded works each 400mm x 400mm)
‘Like being hit by a train’ as one viewer described walking into the ART Museum and being confronted by the profound installation ‘The Exquisite Clarity of Standing Together’. Displayed in a visually powerful uniform black and white grid. Closer inspection of the work reveals a deep provocation on a profoundly subconscious level, inviting an altruistic state of being if the viewer becomes fully immersed. 85 people from 18 different countries, with completely differing backgrounds, choices, opinions, cultural & spiritual beliefs, economic & life experiences. Standing together in the human condition. Unified. Each one representing all of humanity in the moment. The moment to create the change in them and the world. Each work, hand printed, hand di bonded, mounted and hung. Attention to every detail.
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An invitation to partake and view the seemingly impossible. A quest so simple, subconciously attainable yet always just out of reach. Robertson further explores the dual symbolism of the white rose; peace and pure love; through an interactive experience, like peaking inside a
SCULPTURES ‘i n f i n i t e l o v e’ forbidden treasure box offering the impossible opportunity of infinite love. The highly polished surface of the artwork reflects the environment and the viewer. Three small apertures glow a soft red and invite the viewer to partake in this alternate reality.
Infinite Love
Free standing sculpture Marine Grade stainless steel fabricated one way with mirror and neon 500mm x 500mm x 500mm on a 900mm x 500mm base
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SCULPTURES ‘perforated love’
Perforated Love Highly polished hand crafted stainless steel replica tank barrell modelled of the tiger tank with the inscription of the meaning of Namaste engraved on its surface. 4300mm x 100mm on tripod leg base
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I honour the place in you where the universe resides. I honour the light, love, truth, beauty and peace with in you, because it is also within me. In sharing these things we are united, we are the same. We are one. (Namaste)
Many of Robertsons photographic subjects who have held the rose have said ‘Peace is the absence of war’ or ‘Peace is worth fighting for’. This oft cited contradiction inspired the the artists deeper exploration of the concept of interdependance for either state to exist and their physical manefestations.
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CAST CRYSTAL ‘Guns and Roses’
Green Piece Cast lead crystal modelled off the Glock pistol. Inscribed with the words “we are the same, we are one”
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An exploration of polarities and interdependence to exist The impermanent fragility of a white rose The physical force of a loaded gun Peace | Violence Light | Dark
In Robertson’s latest sculptural series ‘Guns and Roses’, the artist explores the polarities, the ‘tension between’. Day does not exist without night, joy without sorrow, life without death, peace without non peace. Casting both symbolic forms in lead crystal, Robertson playfully forges a union of two symbolic opposites to exist within a solitary form. The infinite now contained within the finite. The rose (cast from the very Rose that His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu have both held and blessed) takes on a permanence and density, the glock gun takes on a fragility and transparency. Both shattering into a thousand pieces if dropped. The fragility of the human emotional construct of peace. The artists belief that the key to peace is in your hands.
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Private
COMMISSIONS
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Aro Ha is world renouned, a retreat in the heart of the South Island, New Zealand. Recognised by Conde Nast as winner of readers awards, as well as recipient of architectual awards, featured in Vogue and dozens more publications. It is fast becoming known as the gold standard in retreats globally. Aro Ha commissioned Robertson to produce a work that would be a genuine conversation piece to hang in the very heart of their lodge.
Robertson is available for private commissions to produce art works that compliment and speak to your environment.
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COMMERCIAL
INSTALLATI
Robertson’s artworks hang on the walls of some of Auckland City’s hospitality establishments. His graphic eye and insatiable quest to stolen moments, the negative space and faces from his travels have portfolio of works.
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best dining and explore and capture e created a extensive
‘Hollyford Green’ - installation view of artwork in Oaken Restaurant & Bar
‘Wet Moss - installation view of artwork in Oaken Restaurant & Bar
‘Jardin Majorelle’ - installation view of artwork in Oaken Restaurant & Bar
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COMMERCIAL
INSTALLAT
‘Marrakech Friends’ - View of artworks by Stuart Robertson on external facade of ‘Beirut Restaurant’, Fort Street, Auckland, New Zealand
‘Hollyford Green’ - installation view of artwork in Oaken Restaurant & Bar
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TIONS
‘Nine’ - Installation view of artwork by Stuart Roberton in ‘Gusto at the Grand’, Skycity Grand Hotel, Auckland, New Zealand
Installation view of various artworks by Stuart Robertson in Orleans Bar, Britomart, Auckland, New Zealand
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vitrines
INSTALLATIONS Like a scour in the landscape left by a glacier, the vitrines represent the physical manifestation of the journey. Robertson records his connectedness to each of the faces, places, moments and experiences on the road through keeping the physical gifts, tickets, messages and mementos along the way. The objects provide a deeply personal insight into the touch-points that connect the artist to each of his subjects and the often long and gritty journey to reach them. The collection shares the ingrained sense of memory and nostalgia for the artist’s personal quest to meet and photograph the rose in the hands of 10,000 people from every country around the globe.
Installation view of vitrine contents Pataka ART+museum
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‘The exquisite clarity of standing together’
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DIGITAL INSTALLATIONS
A digital collaboration between Robertson and multi-platinum recording artist Tiki Taane. Robertson’s aim for this installation is to provoke and lead the viewer on an almost meditative journey. The soundscape melds with the imagery and takes you on an immersive journery that slowly and gently evokes a response to emerge from your deep subconscious. Robertson’s intention is to capture ‘an unguarded moment of humanity’ when he places the white rose in the hands of his subjects. He looks for that split second when the pre constructed veil of identity in time and space drops for a split second to reveal a pure childlike wish for peace and pure love. It can often be a deeply sobering emotion that flickers across his subject’s face, sometimes it is joy as they hold this wish in their hands. 14min 51sec digital visual and audio art collaboration between Stuart Robertson and Tiki Taane. 85 people from 18 countries holding the white rose, an ancient symbol of peace. You can view the digital artwork here
Tiki Taane performing live for Peace in 10,000 Hands exhibition opening
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FILM
INSTALLATIONS
Illuminate International Peace Day Stuart Robertson 2014 A three day long public art installation, projected across the front of the Auckland War Memorial Museum as a larger than life, building size audio and visual art installation in September 2014.
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Robertson was commissioned for his first digital installation by The Auckland War Memorial Museum. He created and direced a film based on the concept of Peace in 10,000 Hands as the New Zealand contribution to International Peace Day 2014. Returning from Los Angeles to begin filming, Robertson directed the film creating a series of powerful ‘moving portraits’. A commentary on and from the diverse and colourful mega-cultural city of Auckland, New Zealand. You can see the film here. 55
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The compelling underlying drive to photograph 10,000 people from every country on the planet. A snap shot of humanity right now. Every country, every colour, every religion, every race.
the world The similarities in the human condition highlighted when standing together and the thin veil that shields us from our child-like self. The self that yearns for and deserves peace. A safe passage. A safe life. This compelling drive that sees Robertson in the most unlikely scenarios all over the world from being questioned by the Secret Service in the United States to the Iraqi Undercover Military Police. From doing yoga with Demi Moore to birthday celebrations with Ringo Starr.
Stuart Robertson photographing in the Dry Valleys, Antarctica
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WHO? “
How do you get to meet and photograph all these amazing and famous people and get them to endorse the project?
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Robertson is often asked this question, his reply is that it’s the power of this idea is what drives its response in the viewer and those agreeing to be photographed.To be part of something bigger than them. To be altruistic, to be part of something global. To create change, to make statement. To stand in the human condition is confronting. For some so powerful they will cry while being photographed. So, who are some of the more famous people who have held the white rose...
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Demi Moore
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? O H W The Dalai Lama, who also blessed the rose and the project, Arch
Demi Moore, Ricky Gervais, Emily Blunt, Danny DeVito, Jamie L
Shields, Micky Rourke, Melanie Griffith, David Lynch, Sir Tony R
Tony Robinson, Paul Oakenfold, Tiesto, Nikki Sixx, Paul McKenn
Ryan, Andy Strauss, Paul Black Thorne, Tony Curran, Allison Mc
Feinstein, Cedric Gervais, Clark Glenn, Daphne Zuniga, Esai Mor
Isaac C Singleton, Ivan Sergie, Jennifer Grey, Katherine Helmon
Lyndie Greenwood, Marcie Cross, Micah Nelson, Miles Teller, Ob
Shantel VanSanten, Ben Watson, Antonio Carluccio, Andrew Ho
Sofia Sisniega, Stacey Dash, Stephen Tobolowsky, Victoria Pratt,
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Bishop Desmond Tutu, Ringo Starr, The Rt. Hon. Lt. Gen. Sir Jerry Mateparae, Willie Apiata Lee Curtis, Daryl Hannah, Seal, Brooke Victoria Cross, Sir Richard Taylor, Sir John Kirwan, Sir Robinson, Matt Lucas, Nick Ut, Sir Richard Hadlee, Sir Ray Avery, Sir Stephen Tindall, Sir Peter na, Richard Lewis, Paul Sorvino, Mark Leitch, Lucy Lawless, Rena Owen, Keisha Castle Hughes, cAtee, Bobby Brown, Senator Dianne Valerie Adams, Tiki Taane, Niki Caro, Karl Urban, Mahé reles, Hans Zimmer, Irving Mayfield, Drysdale, Lisa Carrington, Craig Parker, Grant Bowler, Peter nd, Keanu Kahuanui, Ken Jordan, Gordon, Josh Emett, Simon Gault, Greg Johnson, Martin bba Babatunde, Richard Simmons, Henderson, Matt Halliday, Peter Hilary, Oscar Kightley, oard, Mindy Robinson, Zenn Freeman, Denise L’Estrange Corbett, Jerome Kaino , Zedd, Weird Al Yankovic, The Muppets
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MEDIA, LINKS AN Cover Stories
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ND INTERVIEWS ROBERTSON HAS FEATURED.... As lead story on ‘60 Minutes’ As a TEDx speaker In the top 45 creatives by US magazine ORIGIN At HATCH, an invite only event in Montana for 100 carefully curated global thought disruptors and creators
MEDIA LINKS TO CHECK OUT Watch Robertson’s interview in the Dominion Post Listen to one of Robertson’s radio interviews Read the article featured in ‘Capture’ magazine Read the article in ‘f11’ magazine Leica blog Verve Magazine
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the message ‘Making your idea go global’ is one of the topics Robertson talks about at conferences and events. Powered by the desire to create a global conversation through visual art and to raise 100 million dollars for children’s charities globally Robertson’s journey has lead him to Antarctica, Iraq, the Syrian boarder and into the houses of celebrities in the Hollywood Hills. You can see the TEDx talk in the link here. 100% of Robertson’s fee goes to ‘Peace in 10,000 Hands’.
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artist talks SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS Keynote - Eventing the Future, Auckland 2013 TEDx Women - Wellington, May 2015 Photographic Festival - Auckland June 2015 HATCH - Montana, USA, August 2015 Antarctica Keynote - Season Opening - Christchurch, September 2015 The Digital Show - Keynote - Melbourne, October 2015 PCO Keynote - (Professional Conference Organisers) - Adelaide, November 2015 Pataka Art Museum - Grand Opening, Porirua, September, 2015 Northern Club Lecture Series - Auckland, October 2015 Los Angeles Leica Gallery - October 2015 Page Blackie - February 2016 Auckland Art Fair - May 2016 Jacmel Peace Conference - Haiti, August 2016 Australian Professional Photographers Association Conference - September 2016
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THE FIRST C
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COLLECTION ‘The First Collection’ is the first in a series of books planned to be published throughout the Peace in 10,000 project. The 180 page full colour book with gloss UV laminate was produced to show case some of the most iconic images and stories from the first two years of the project. The book is a peek behind the curtain of this global project and what makes Robertson so committed.
Purchase online now! 69
Tenzin Gyatso the 14th Dalai Lama
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Contact
Stuart Robertson stu@peacein10000hands.com +64 21975597
Semele Robertson semele@peacein10000hands.com +64 21866415