Kevin Charles ‘Pro’ Hart was born in Broken Hill on May 30, 1928. Long before he became one of Australia’s well-loved artists, he was a miner. He would work underground by day, where he would sketch while in tunnels, and taught himself to paint by night. Those long hours underground and the vivid surface life of the mining town all became narrative fuel for his paintings, which vividly depict life in the Australian outback, particularly in Broken Hill, and he was famous for painting large insects such as dragonflys.
Pro used traditional techniques such as layering chiaroscuro and alla prima (an Italian painting technique that translates to ‘at first attempt” and is also known as direct or wet-on-wet painting) teamed with experimental methods such as firing paint from a canon, dropping paint from a hot air balloon, or driving over paint on a canvas.
Nothing had to be on a canvas – he painting cars, carpets and other things that took his fancy, and he was also a performance artist who enjoyed entertaining others.
It’s not surprising then, that Stainmaster (a carpet, flooring, and vinyl plank flooring cleaner) thought him a great champion for its products, and from the mid-80s, there was a series of television advertisements where Pro, with the aim of creating a masterpiece, covers his lounge-room carpet in red wine, paint, cake, spaghetti, and a range of other things.
He makes a giant mess that recreates one of his famous paintings of a dragonfly, and his long-suffering cleaning lady exclaims: “Oh Mr Hart! What a Mess!”
Today you can visit the gallery and former studio of Pro Hart in Broken Hill. Pro Hart Gallery celebrates the life and legacy of one of Australia’s most remarkable self-taught artists, who, to prevent forgery, famously marked his genuine works with his own DNA. He collected his cheek cells with a cotton bud, which were sent to a lab to be processed. The processed DNA was then applied to the artwork with a secret method, and a record of the DNA’s location was kept in a database.
On display are not only a wide selection of Pro’s own paintings, but also hundreds of works by an impressive range of other artists including Arthur Boyd, John Constable, Claude Monet, and Albert Tucker.
A prolific painter like no other
Pro was an extremely prolific painter – over his 40-year career he produced up to 50 paintings a week. His subject matter ranged from sweeping outback landscapes to lively scenes of horse races, miners, and pub gatherings. Pro received an MBE in 1976 for his services to art, and he was named Citizen of the Year in 1983. He was given a state funeral upon his death in 2006, when he passed away after battling a motor neurone disease, aged 77.
Visitors can view a replica of his private studio (with glass walls so that it’s protected and preserved perfectly), that was recreated to look as it did before he passed away. The studio is a rare and fascinating glimpse into the mind of a creative genius.
He worked with many eclectic, miscellaneous found objects in his art, even transforming cars into canvases. Over time as his art evolved, his paintings depicted more abstract forms and layered textures, exploring deeper themes of faith and community.
Visit the Pro Hart Gallery
Today, his paintings now hang in the Art Galleries of New South Wales and South Australia, in the White House, Buckingham Palace, and even the National Collection of Poland. Collectors from across the world prized his work, including Prince Philip and U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Today, visitors to Broken Hill can step into Pro’s world at the Pro Hart Gallery, a space filled with energy and creativity. Originally opened by Pro himself, the gallery now showcases an incredible retrospective of his art, spanning from 1962 to 2006.
The gallery is filled with early sketches and sculptures to his famous depictions of the Australian landscape and its people. The space reflects his larger-than-life personality: it’s welcoming and immersive, and gives visitors a true sense of Pro’s humour and warmth.
The gallery once held one of the largest private art collections in the country. Walking through, you’ll sense the boundless imagination that made Pro Hart such an icon.
A rich artistic legacy
The gallery, still operated by his family, houses hundreds of his original paintings, sculptures, sketches, and personal memorabilia. Each room offers a chance to view different chapters of his artistic journey, from his early experimental works to his most celebrated pieces.
For a more interactive experience, the Pro Hart Gallery also offers painting classes led by his son, John Hart. Held inside what was Pro’s main studio, sessions come with materials included and a complimentary first glass of wine or beer.
Local exhibitions and public art installations continue to celebrate the creativity he championed, a living extension of his vision.
The Pro Hart Outback Art Prize exhibition is an art exhibition and competition held by Broken Hill City Art Gallery. The annual exhibition asks artists to create with the character and allure of the outback and their surroundings.
Pro Hart’s legacy also lives on in the Big Ant, the mega-sized sculpture of an ant located in Broken Hill. The large sculpture was designed in 1980 by Pro Hart, and stood for many years near the Tourist Information Centre, before being relocated to the gallery.
Visiting Pro Hart gallery is as much about experiencing Pro’s art as it is about immersing yourself in the culture, history, and spirit of the outback that inspired him. Whether you’re an art fanatic, history buff, or just curious about life in the outback, this remarkable gallery now run by Pro’s son David, is a special place where you can see how one man’s vision transformed part of a famous mining town into an artistic landmark.
If you liked this story, check this story on these outback cities; Broken Hill, Silverton, White Cliffs & Wilcannia.
Travel to Broken Hill
You can travel to Broken Hill with Rex airlines. Book your flight here and check out the route map below for more details.
