Solo exhibition Al Bateeen, Abu Dhabi - Air Expo March 2012
Retrospective exhibition - RAF Museum, London May 2012 to June 2013
Charity Auction/Raffle of Air Tattoo Artwork signed by 250+ international aircrews
Charity Auction of Timeless & Love Hearts signed by the full Red Arrows Team, London date TBC
Solo exhibition and launch of RIAT 2012 artwork. RAF Fairford, Glos. July 2012.
"Timeless" by David Bent is fantastic and a real icon of everything that is great about Aerospace engineering in the United Kingdom " Iain Gray, CEO Technology Strategy Board
"David’s eye for composition, shapes, outline and technical precision complement each other so wonderfully in all his art work. But it is his inspiration and vivid love of aircraft and the magic of flight that makes David’s work stand out! " Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton KCB ADC BSc FRAeS CCMI RAF Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force
"I have admired David Bent's work since the very first time I saw his unique perspectives and geometric patterns that creatively integrate the beauty of airplane design and the drama of flight. Every picture tells a story in a very unique way and leaves a lasting impression on the viewer." Tom Burbage. Executive Vice President, F-35 Program Lockheed Martin
"David's work is striking in its originality. It captures the essence of the Red Arrows and the emotiveness of their displays. It truly is breathtaking and reflects the excellence of both the artist and the team." Emma Thomas. PR Officer. The Royal Air Force Aerobatics Team. The Red Arrows
"David Bent's love for and appreciation of the power and beauty of aviation adds a unique fourth dimension to his work that sets it above his contemporaries. Many of our guests at the Royal International Air Tattoo share his passion and consequently view David's work as an integral part of our celebration of the magic that is aviation." Tim Prince, Chief Executive RAFCTE Director RIAT
"I have a selection of prints of David Bent's works on display in my London office and they have attracted a great deal of interest and highly favourable comment from my many visitors." Sir Nigel Essenhigh GCB, ADC. Northrop Grumman
"I have three of David's pictures on my walls. As a former Vulcan pilot, I only know that David is a master of his craft and that his images lighten my spirit whenever I gaze upon them." Andrew Brookes. Director, The Air League
"David Bent's stunning portraits of high tech advanced aviation where machine as marvel is a critical theme have long been on the Kurzweil radar... David's acclaimed works of art fascinate with their simple austerity - and at the same time, surprise with their mesmerizing intimacy." Sarah Black. Managing Editor Kurzweil A.I News. USA
"When you love aviation and you love the Middle East like I do, then there is no question that you will get drawn to David Bent. The passion for both subjects is so vibrant in his creations that I still do a second-take every time I pass the piece of his work that adorns my wall." Alan Peaford. Editor-in-chief, Arabian Aerospace
"I love David’s artwork… brilliant colours, great observation and precision in his work, almost akin to mandala artwork." Dwina Gibb. Artist & Writer
"David's art compels people to stop and take notice. It takes the art of aviation into a new dimension and most importantly his love of aircraft, all things mechanical and the pure majesty of flight shines through. We are looking forward to working with him next year on some special compositions of one of his favourite aircraft, the Hawker Hunter and as the only Hunter display team in the world we know it will be a stunning complement to the visual art we describe in the air." Ian Thompson. Pilot & Team Manager, Team Viper
"David’s pictures are fantastic – combining art with the technology of flight in a thoughtful and inspiring manner. I have three pictures and can’t wait to buy my next three – each picture evokes it’s own unique and personal story." Iain Gray, Chief Executive, Technology Strategy Board
"David’s work constantly evolves encompassing all the senses & the beauty of the experience of flight. His thrilling works of art intrigue, entertain and enchant our guests to a new level each year on....." Suzannah Harvey Director Kemble Airfield & Airshow
"David Bent's art is unique; it combines passion and sensitivity, the abstract and the vividly real. I especially love his colourful portrayals of the awe inspiring beauty of flight." Air Marshal Sir Christopher Coville.
"I am attracted to David Bent's art as he has taken iconic bits of aviation history and remixed them into kaleidoscopic images and patterns. An emblem here, a silhouette there and you are transported back to days gone by as you discover subtlety and nuance in the shadows, shapes and angles of his artwork. The middle eastern influence evident in his latest series is as unique and beguiling as is the region." Ted Ingram, President APPH Houston, USA.
"It takes quite a mind to see through the everyday and to create complementary artwork of outstanding dynamism. David has that mind and we at Farnborough International Airshow are privileged to share the experience." Trevor Sidebottom. MD Farnborough International Airshow - 2008.
"Work of great integrity and beauty, by turns both challenging and inspiring." Ruth Staple Artsmatrix UK
"Truly new, refreshing and engaging. You will never look at an aircraft in the same way again. David's work makes you look deeper." Joe McGrath. International Airshow Commentator
"We first saw David's work when we displayed at the Royal International Air Tattoo, where he was exhibiting in the VIP marquees. You can imagine the number of images that we see of the Red Arrows every single day, and it takes something pretty special to get all of our attention! We were so impressed by the striking nature of the paintings that we immediately pestered him to see if he would be interested in collaborating with the Red Arrows. " R.Huxford. PR Manager The Royal Air Force Aerobatics Team. The Red Arrows 2002 - 2008
"David Bent is a very talented artist." Frank Cohen. Art Collector
"In celebration of our milestone event, it made perfect sense to invite one of the world's leading aviation artists to unveil his latest masterpieces. We hope that all visitors have the chance to view David's exceptional work." Alison Weller. Director Aerospace F&E Dubai Airshow
"David's work is unique, deeply felt and makes me think of the future." Yousif Hassan Al Hamadi. President Emirates Aviation Association. UAE
"I'm particularly impressed by David's photocollages. He has the eye of an abstract painter with a touch of heartfelt mysticism. David totally transforms his subjects. Great Work." M.Stern. University of New York USA
"David's thought provoking work breaks new ground - very clever and totally original." Will Curtis. World Record Holder Aerobatics Display Pilot
"David Bent captures the unique excitement and spirit of flight." Lawrie Cleary. Art Collector
"David Bent has put the humanity back into aviation." Cliff Allison. Ex Royal Engineers
"David Bent captures the essence of a subject beautifully, then transforms it into another paradigm to create new worlds that are dynamic and visually appealing." Yumi Ogasawara. Wabi Art
"David's art is intelligent, vibrant and distinctive... relevant to both aviation professionals and to anyone excited by the thrill of flight." Clive Richardson, Chief Executive, Aerospace Group. F&E
FACONNABLE. FRANCE
http://www.faconnable.com/en/blogs/an-interview-with-aviation-artist-david-bent/
MOD The RAF Aerobatics Team, THE RED ARROWS
http://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/teamnews/index.cfm?storyid=225895EF-1143-EC82-2EDDA409183F9C45
P1 BUSINESS AVIATION MAGAZINE (see page 55)
http://issuu.com/loop_publishing/docs/p1-feb-2011
ADVENTURE 52 UK
http://www.adventure52.com/2011/05/11/art-david-bents-timeless/
ARABIAN AEROSPACE MAGAZINE UAE
http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/article.php?section=people-recruitment&article=fascination-with-flight-leads-to-an-art-attack-
KURZWEIL AI NEWS SAN FRANCISCO, USA
http://www.kurzweilai.net/spirited-machines-interview-with-david-bent
David was born in Dover.
He sometimes attended Dover Grammar School for boys and went on to study Art at Wolverhampton College from 1968-72. He thrived there on a training, which reflecting the time, was both traditional and avant garde.
David has maintained his art practice throughout his life, supporting it through a wide variety of work experiences. He has always travelled extensively, spending long periods of time in many countries including Peru, Costa Rica, India, Nepal and the Gulf Region - always taking photographs, painting, sketching and collecting the ephemera and images that form the foundation of much of his work.
David combines his diverse experience with his acute powers of observation to create his artworks. The more you view his substantial body of paintings, photographs and collages, the more intriguing it becomes.
Over the past five years David's innovative approach to aviation art has established him as a leading artist in this field and has lead to a number of invitations to exhibit internationally.
David's work is held in private and corporate collections around the world.
He is happily married to his gorgeous wife Carole and currently lives and works in Wiltshire.
Launch of new collection December 2011
Donation of artworks for BFBS and British Heart Foundation fundraising November 2011
Open Studio Weekend September 2011
Launch of new Red Arrows painting Timeless July 2011
Display of Option 7 painting The RAF Museum, London July 2011
Launch of Image for RIAT 2011 & Solo Exhibition at Royal International Air Tattoo VIP Pavilion July 2011
Launch of merchandise by the Royal International Air Tattoo July 2011
Auction of Spitfire Light in Washington DC USA November 2010
Solo pop-up exhibition of David's Battle of Britain Collection at St Paul's Cathedral as part of the Battle of Britain 70th Anniversary Commemorations September 2010
Launch of new Red Arrows painting Love Hearts July 2010
Launch of Battle of Britain Collections June 2010
Solo Exhibition The Cotswold Airshow VIP Enclosure June 2010
Solo Exhibition Al Ain Airshow, The Royal Tent, Abu Dhabi January 2010
Research and photography - Invitation to North West Province Airshow, South Africa October 2009
Open Studios, September 2009
Solo Exhibition Patrons Pavillion Royal International Air Tattoo, Fairford July 2009
Auction of Option 7 triptych at Kemble Airfield - fundraising for RAFBF & Fly2Help Charities June 2009
Solo Exhibition The Cotswold Airshow VIP Enclosure June 2009
Auction of artwork at Charity Ball, Swindon Marriott Hotel May 2009
Movement 2000 Exhibition at Post Modern, Swindon. April 2009
Installation of "Flight of the Red Arrow" in SBAC boardroom HQ, London March 2009
Opening of new Bent Gallery art space September 2008
Solo Exhibition Farnborough International Airshow July 2008
Launch of "Plane Tessellations"collection July 2008
Solo Exhibition The Cotswold Airshow VIP Enclosure June 2008
New painting "Option 7" commemorating 90th anniversary of RAF completed June 2008
Artist in Residency, Red Arrows, Cyprus, April 2008
Launch of Red Stardance and Reds Freestyling Through Milford Sound cards January 2008
Solo Exhibition Dubai International Airshow November 2007
Solo Exhibition Royal International Air Tattoo VIP Enclosure solo exhibition July 2007
Solo Exhibition The Cotswold Airshow VIP Enclosure June 2007
Artist in residency Red Arrows, Cyprus April 2007
Solo Exhibition Al Ain Airshow, The Royal Tent, Abu Dhabi January 2007
Solo Exhibition Farnborough International Airshow July 2006
Solo Exhibition Royal International Air Tattoo July 2006
Solo Exhibition Al Ain Airshow, The Royal Tent, Abu Dhabi January 2006
Society of British Aerospace Companies head office commission
Thales boardroom commission
Opening of Bent Art Gallery new space
First exhibition Royal International air Tattoo - tent, July 2000
