Central art

Lotus Lilies - Harold Thomas

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About the Exhibition

Lotus Lilies featuring works by Harold Thomas

Harold Thomas has lived in the Top End for over thirty-five years and is renowned for his colourful depictions of its abundant bird life, changing seasons, wetlands and waterholes. His luminous compositions have a signature style, whether rendered in watercolour, oil, or acrylic: a magical, poetic quality all his own. A Luritja and Wombia man born in Alice Springs, he is a member of the Stolen Generation who was taken from his parents at the age of seven. Harold Thomas' talent was recognised early, however, and he won a scholarship to train at the South Australian School of Art. As a student in the politically charged 1960s, he began his involvement in the Civil Rights movement. He is also famous for designing the Aboriginal Flag in 1971. The flag's bold design and recognisable qualities saw it instantly taken up by the Aboriginal rights movement and it soon became the powerful symbol it is today.Harold Thomas was the first Aboriginal person to be employed by a museum in South Australia, where he was able to immerse himself in the Museum's immense collection of Aboriginal art and artefacts from across Australia. This second education enriched his own work. His first solo show was held in Adelaide in 1972.Often working in isolated conditions in the bush, Thomas suffuses his paintings with a mystical light and the unearthly colours of the North. His sound classical techniques are married to a deep love for the country and its unique wildlife. Without the intrusion of man-made objects, his compositions have a purity of form and a timeless quality. Harold Thomas is without doubt one of the most accomplished contemporary artists of his kind. From Sabine: 'The paintings of Harold Thomas are suffused with the surreal locations of the Top End and iconic landmarks from central Australia. His colourful and often dream-like compositions depict the abundance of the natural world through its birds and wetlands. I hope you enjoy this exhibition.'

Yours Sincerely, Sabine

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