Charles Billich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Billich
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Billich, photographed in his studio (2008)
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| Born | 6 September 1934 Lovran, Croatia
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| Known for | Painting, sculpting |
Charles Billich, whose original name is Karlo Bilić, is a famous artist from Sydney, Australia. He creates many kinds of art, including paintings and sculptures.
His art often features exciting subjects like Ballet dancers and sports. He also paints buildings, people's faces (called portraits), and scenes from the stage. Some of his works are about helping others (Humanitarianism) or have religious meaning.
In 2000, he was named the Sport Artist of the Year by the American Sport Art Museum and Archives. This award celebrates artists who create amazing sports-related art. Charles Billich also made a special series of pictures inspired by the famous Terracotta Warriors from China. These images were even used on 16 postage stamps in China!
About Charles Billich
Charles Billich's artworks have been displayed in very important places. These include the White House in the USA, the United Nations Headquarters in New York, and the Vatican in Rome.
Billich uses many different art materials for his paintings and drawings. He also creates sculptures using valuable metals like gold and silver, and semi-precious metals.
One of his important works is called Humanity United. He created this painting for the Australian Red Cross. It celebrated 100 years of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001. Dr José Ramos-Horta, who was the Minister of Foreign Affairs for East Timor at the time, also asked Billich to paint a picture to celebrate their country's independence.
In June 2004, Billich showed his art at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The UN Friendship Club invited him back in September 2006 to show his Humanity United collection again.
Billich was inspired by his painting "The Beijing Cityscape." This painting was the official image for Beijing's successful bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games. After this, Charles Billich created more art based on the Bing Ma Yong Terracotta Warriors. This collection shows the Terracotta Warriors taking part in different sports.
In June 2004, Billich finished a painting called Jubilation China's 100 Year Olympic Dream Realised. This artwork shows the big celebration when China was announced as the host nation for the 2008 Olympics.
Billich also painted a cityscape of Qingdao, which was the place for the 2008 Olympic Water Sports. This painting was given to the Mayor and the Beijing Olympic Committee in Qingdao in July 2005.
He also created The World In Union, which was the official image for the Rugby World Cup in 2003.
Charles Billich has received many honors. He was named an "Honorary Citizen of Atlanta" and given the Key to the city during the Centennial Games. He also received the title Sports Artist of the Year in 2000. The United States Sports Academy gave him an Honorary Doctorate and the "Order of the Eagle Exemplar." In 2004, he became a Trustee for this important sports education center. Billich was also honored with the Olympic Gold Order by the French Ministry of Sport. This was for his help with the French Olympic Team during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
Art for the Environment
In 2009, Charles Billich took part in an art show called "Eco Art Parade 2009." This exhibition was all about environmental art. It helped raise money for the Prince Albert II Foundation of Monaco.
The show focused on the Bonelli's Eagle, which is an endangered bird species in the Mediterranean area. The Foundation works to protect these birds. To honor the Bonelli's Eagle, Charles Billich created a bronze sculpture called "The Order of the Golden Eagle." This sculpture was displayed in Monaco from June 8 to October 8, 2009.
Awards and Honors
Charles Billich has received many awards and special recognitions for his art and contributions:
- Commander of the Order of the Crown of Tonga (July 31, 2008)
- 77th Honorary Shaolin Monk, Henan, China (2004)
- Milan & Spoleto Awards, Italy (1989)
- Victorian Heritage & Cultural Award (1988)
- Centennial Olympic City, USA (1996)
- Honorary Citizen of Atlanta (1996)
- Order of the Eagle Exemplar, USA (2000)
- Doctor Philosophy Honoris Causa from the United States Sports Academy
- Prints award/Gold Medal (1987/88)
- Spoleto Award, Italy (1987)
