In the annals of Australian art, few figures are as colourful and complex as Harold ‘the Kangaroo’ Thornton. A prolific painter, an eccentric self-promoter, and a former professional wrestler, Thornton’s life story is a tapestry woven with extraordinary experiences and whimsical embellishments. Although recognition eluded him during his lifetime, his vibrant artworks and larger-than-life persona are now gaining renewed interest, particularly through his striking piece, *Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz*, which captures the essence of political life in Australia.
The Artist and His Works
One glance at *Dr Brown and Green Old Time Waltz*, a seven-foot masterpiece showcased during the 1983 Archibald Prize, reveals the psychedelic whimsy that characterised Thornton’s oeuvre. This portrait of then-Greens leader Bob Brown is a riot of colours and hidden imagery, from whimsical creatures lurking in the foliage to a playful depiction of Brown himself. Standing proudly beside his creation, clad in flamboyant, hand-painted attire, Thornton declared himself the “greatest genius that ever lived”, an assertion that was as bold as it was entertaining.
Despite his vibrant personality and artistic flair, Thornton’s journey through the art world was riddled with challenges. His works, infused with humour and surrealism, seemed destined for greater acclaim, yet he remained largely overlooked, even as contemporaries like Martin Sharp and Ken Done recognised his talent. “Maybe he was ahead of his time, maybe he was behind his time,” mused Done, “Maybe he was just on Harold Thornton’s time.”
A Life of Bold Claims and Artistic Pursuits
Thornton’s artistic legacy extends beyond mere painting; he was a multifaceted creator, dabbling in murals, poetry, and even comic strips. Living in Amsterdam for many years, he often worked in public spaces, accompanied by a sign that cheekily read: “If you like Harold’s art, Harold likes beer.” His murals, particularly one on the façade of the famous Bulldog café, have become landmarks, showcasing his talent to both locals and tourists alike.
His life was a whirlwind of adventures and self-invention. Born in Sydney in 1915, Thornton faced a tumultuous childhood marred by bullying and insecurities stemming from his dyslexia. Nevertheless, he found solace in art, often working tirelessly on his creations, only to descend into bouts of despondency. Financial stability eluded him throughout his life; he often described living “like a rat”, preferring to share his creations with friends rather than sell them. “He worried if he sold his art it would lose its accessibility,” reflected Dale Trueman, an artist and friend.
In one of his most poignant acts, Thornton completed a portrait of his father while the elder Thornton lay dying, a testament to his complex relationship with death and creativity. His penchant for storytelling extended to outlandish claims about his life, including a tale of dying on an operating table and wandering the world as a ghost.
The Legacy of a Cultural Icon
Thornton’s interactions with political figures became a defining part of his narrative, particularly during a pivotal moment in Australian history—the blockade of the Franklin Dam in Tasmania. Here, he met Christine Milne, a future senator, and Bob Brown, who would later sit for the portrait that would secure Thornton’s place in the National Portrait Gallery. Initially, Brown was taken aback by the painting’s portrayal, but over time, he has come to appreciate it as a vivid reflection of an era. “It’s not a portrait. It tells a whole story,” he noted, underscoring the depth of Thornton’s work.
Despite his often tumultuous relationships with authority figures, including a notorious incident where he painted an unflattering portrait of a local mayor, Thornton’s creative spirit left an indelible mark on those around him. His friends remember him fondly, with many hoping to see his story immortalised in film and art. “He was Harold, and he didn’t give a f**k,” said Done, capturing the essence of a man who lived life on his own terms.
Why it Matters
Harold Thornton’s story is not merely about an artist; it is a reflection of the human spirit’s resilience and the quest for recognition in a world that often overlooks the unconventional. His art, filled with humour and vibrancy, serves as a reminder of the importance of accessibility in creativity, advocating for art that belongs to the people rather than the elite. As Thornton himself once proclaimed, “I am told everybody dies. But not me.” His legacy, it seems, continues to resonate, challenging us to look beyond the surface and appreciate the extraordinary narratives woven into the fabric of art and life.
