Pro Hart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pro Hart
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|---|---|
| Born |
Kevin Charles Hart
30 May 1928 |
| Died | 28 March 2006 (aged 77) Broken Hill
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| Nationality | Australian |
| Spouse(s) | Raylee June Tonkin |
Kevin Charles "Pro" Hart (born May 30, 1928 – died March 28, 2006) was a famous Australian artist. He was born in Broken Hill, New South Wales. Many people call him the "father" of the Australian Outback painting style. His art shows the real spirit of the Australian countryside. Pro grew up on a sheep farm in Menindee. He got the nickname "Professor" (which became "Pro") when he was young because he loved inventing things.
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Pro Hart's Unique Art Styles
Pro Hart often painted with oil or acrylic paints. He used brushes and sponges to create his art. His paintings showed scenes of country town life and nature. He also painted about current events and some religious topics. His pictures for Henry Lawson's poems showed how well he could observe people. They also showed his sense of humor. Pro Hart was also a sculptor. He made art from welded steel, bronze, and ceramics.
Painting Techniques and Authenticity
Pro Hart was famous for his unusual painting methods. These included "cannon painting" and "balloon painting." An example of his cannon painting was in a TV commercial in 1988. In it, he created a dragonfly on carpet using food. In 2002, he started using his own DNA to prove his paintings were real. You can even get older Pro Hart paintings marked with his DNA.
How Art Critics Saw His Work
For much of his career, many art critics didn't take Pro Hart seriously. They often saw his art as too popular or not original enough. They thought it wasn't good enough for serious art discussions. Barry Pearce, a top curator at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, once compared Hart to Slim Dusty. He said it was like comparing Slim Dusty to Mozart. Pro Hart believed these critics were part of an "art mafia." He was proud that he became successful without their help.
Pro Hart's Beliefs and Art
Pro Hart often included political ideas in his artwork. When asked about this, he said, "If I said what I thought sometimes, I might get sued." He explained that he painted to show what was happening. He wanted to bring out the truth and make people aware.
Art and Social Commentary
The painting Aboriginal Land Rights is from Pro Hart's "masks" period. This painting shows his ideas about land rights. The scene features a map of Australia with the Aboriginal Flag on top. In the background, there are people "playing communist cards." They have special symbols on their ties. In the front, a group of Aboriginal people are shown. They might be discussing their rights.
Pro Hart's Hobbies and Interests
Pro Hart loved collecting old cars and motorcycles. He also invented many types of engines and machines. He enjoyed pistol shooting and reading the Bible. He also loved listening to organ music. He owned a very large Rodgers electric pipe organ. It was said to be the biggest of its kind in Australia. This organ was placed in his gallery. This made his gallery a much bigger attraction for Broken Hill tourists.
Awards and Recognition
In 1976, Pro Hart was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire. This was a special award for his achievements. In 1982, he received an Honorary Life Membership from Society International Martinique. This was for his amazing artistic work. He also won an Australian Citizen of the Year award in 1983. Pro Hart was known for his charity work and how generous he was.
Pro Hart's Later Life
Pro Hart became ill with motor neurone disease. He passed away on March 28, 2006. He had not been able to paint for the last six months of his life. A large state funeral was held for him on April 4, 2006. This took place in Broken Hill. It was the first state funeral in New South Wales held west of the Blue Mountains. He was buried in the Broken Hill cemetery.
