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Kangaroo Thornton: Artist, Wrestler, Ghost!
11 Mar
Summary
- Harold Thornton was a prolific artist and self-promoter.
- He was a finalist in the Archibald prize three times.
- Thornton lived a remarkable life filled with diverse experiences.
Harold "the Kangaroo" Thornton, an Australian artist, led a life as vibrant and eclectic as his psychedelic paintings. He was a prolific creator, producing murals, poems, and comic strips, while also being a remarkable self-promoter. Thornton's work gained attention, including a notable piece in the 1983 Archibald Prize finalists, but widespread recognition and financial success largely eluded him during his lifetime.
Thornton's experiences extended far beyond the art world. He was a professional wrestler, operated a restaurant in Papua New Guinea, and even starred in an early film by acclaimed director Peter Weir. He spent significant time in Amsterdam, where a mural he created remains a tourist attraction. Despite a difficult childhood marked by bullying and insecurity, Thornton found solace and expression through his art, which he believed should remain accessible to all.
