Harvey Tristan Cropper facts for kids

Harvey Tristan Cropper (born August 4, 1931 – died November 15, 2012) was an American painter. He was born in New York City. Later in the 1980s, he moved to Stockholm, Sweden. He lived there until he passed away at 81 years old.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Harvey Cropper was born on August 4, 1931. His birthplace was Sugar Hill in Harlem, New York City. His parents came from the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. His father was a pharmacist. His mother worked as an embroiderer.

Harvey started making art when he was only four years old. He loved the many bright colors of his mother's silk threads. These threads inspired him to create his own art. He later studied at the famous Art Students League of New York. He also spent time studying art privately in Japan.

A Unique Exchange with a Jazz Legend

In the early 1950s, Harvey lived in Greenwich Village in New York. He shared a home with the famous jazz musician Charlie Parker. Harvey taught Charlie Parker how to paint. In return, Charlie Parker gave Harvey music lessons. This was a very special way for them to share their talents.

Exhibitions and Political Art

Harvey Cropper's artwork was shown in many places. In 1954, his paintings were displayed at the Galerie Moderne. In 1964, his art was part of a special show. It was called 10 American Negro Artists Living and Working in Europe. This exhibition took place in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Art with a Message

During the Vietnam War, Harvey Cropper started to create paintings about politics. These paintings showed his feelings about important world events. One of his powerful artworks was called "Faces of Apartheid." Apartheid was a system of unfair racial separation in South Africa. The United Nations used Harvey's painting to help spread awareness about this issue.

Later Years and Artistic Style

In the 1970s, Harvey Cropper's art changed. He began to focus on more peaceful and thoughtful paintings. He often painted still life scenes. These paintings showed everyday objects in a calm way. He also explored ideas from Japanese traditions.

He once explained his new style to a friend. He said, "Light, texture and symbolism are important to me." He also mentioned that he had become "more meditative." This means he thought deeply about his art. He felt closer to the ideas of Zen, which is a type of Buddhism that focuses on meditation and wisdom.

In 1981, Harvey Cropper moved to Stockholm, Sweden. He spent the rest of his life there. He worked in a studio where other artists also created art. Harvey Cropper passed away in Stockholm in 2012. He was 81 years old.