I, like many of you, have come today with a mix of excitement and sadness.
Of course we are all excited about the prospect of seeing David's work
(again or for the first time) but this is mediated by our sadness at his
tragic death.

David was a dear friend to many people in this room and we are here today
to rejoice in that friendship and to join in this tribute to his
achievements as an artist.

Many of you will remember the first exhibition of The Dustless House at the
old DŸsseldorf, some might even remember the performances and installations
at the old Praxis, some things change but the memory of those wonderful
experiences lives on.

Some people many even have seen the work David showed at the Adelaide
Biennial or Perspecta, I certainly remember seeing elements of Knowledge
cut out on the floor of the Sculpture Studio in Canberra, but whether you
are seeing these works with fresh eyes or informed by memory, the wit,
intelligence and poignancy of his work is very much in evidence.

David would have loved this party and he would have approved of this
tribute focussing on his work.

Remembering him and enjoying his work is the best way of celebrating a
wonderful friend and a marvellous artist.

With fond thoughts of a great friend it gives me great pleasure to
officially open this tribute to David.



Opening address by Associate Professor Ted Snell
Dean of Art The John Curtin Centre, Head The School of Art Curtin University of Technology