General News
30 January, 2023
Passionate about Picasso
Charlie Amor enjoys art so much that he aspires to be another Pablo Picasso some day. Charlie, 7, reads the famous Spanish artist's books at home in Horsham, having found his paintings amusing after learning about him in school. "I love the...
Charlie Amor enjoys art so much that he aspires to be another Pablo Picasso some day.
Charlie, 7, reads the famous Spanish artist's books at home in Horsham, having found his paintings amusing after learning about him in school.
"I love the paintings of Picasso because they are funny," Charlie said.
"When we have to listen to something in school, I have to say 'Pablo Picasso'. I want to became an arts professional like him in the future."
Charlie was among local boys and girls taking part in the National Gallery of Victoria's (NGV) Kids on Tour program in Horsham last week.
Through the initiative, free art and creative activities are being delivered in more than 130 venues across the state.
In Horsham, the program featured two workshops at the Horsham Regional Art Gallery, with sculpture-making in paper and card inspired by Picasso's use of cutting and folding techniques, and making a creature in the style of surrealist Remedios Varo, who used "drawing, hiding, pass it on" to produce strange and captivating images.
In reality, Charlie has more interest in craft than in painting, but he does draw and colour sometimes.
"Charlie loves drawing and crafting – he does it as a hobby due to his love for the arts," his mother, Louise Amor, said.
"I think a big part of that is through school and the teachers and role models he has showing their passions.
"He learned about Picasso at school and over the last six months his passion for drawing and art has grown."
Charlie also loves jumping on his trampoline, running and playing football and cricket, but he's most proud of a house he made from cardboard and decorated inside with pictures.
Ms Armor said she was excited when she saw an advertisement for Kids on Tour.
"When we saw it advertised, we thought it was a perfect opportunity," she said.
"These kind of events are very important.
"They offer our children experiences we don't normally get.
"We've been to the gallery in Melbourne a number of times and Charlie loves it so I think it's just fantastic that we can have the opportunity to do something like that locally."
Ms Amor said Charlie enjoyed the NGV's program and took advantage of the chance to expand his creativity.
"I love these kinds of opportunities to learn more about my passion," Charlie said.
In launching the Kids on Tour program recently, Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos joined budding artists such as Charlie at the NGV to test drive the sculpture, drawing, collage and creative writing activities that are now being offered.
“Victoria is the creative state and the NGV Kids on Tour program is one of the ways we are ensuring that all Victorians have the chance to unleash their inner artist and enjoy the best creative experiences close to home,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
The 2023 Kids on Tour program, with backing from the state government, visited Horsham before travelling on to the Hindmarsh Shire Libraries and Warracknabeal Neighbourhood House.
This year’s tour celebrates the theme ‘Let’s Make Art’, providing activities for kids and their families, with dedicated workshops for teens to help them hone their skills and build their portfolios, and with leading artists sharing their expertise and experience.
NGV director Tony Ellwood said Kids on Tour began in 2014 and was one of the ways the gallery was bringing the best art and creative experiences to Victorians of all ages, no matter where they lived.