Gavin Hurley was born in Auckland in 1973 and attended Auckland University Elam School of Fine Arts where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
Best known for his portraiture, he presents work in his own very distinctive and whimsical signature style. He uses oil on linen often with very flat, washed out colours. His subjects often have simplified faces with stylised facial features including cupid’s bow lips, distinctive eye colours or chin clefts. He often creates cut outs and collages to begin a work and uses the cut outs as stencils.
Other work Hurley has produced features historical images and landscapes.
Gavin Hurley has exhibited nationally and internationally in private art galleries as well as public art institutions.