HE GAVE PNG its unique and stylish national crest, and now using his same artistic talents, wants to restore the sight of as many local people as possible.

Hal Holman [right] now lives in Australia but still has the passion and emotional connection with the country which was his home from the pre-independence period until his return when his job was localised during Independence.

Leading his cause is a group of volunteers in Port Moresby that call themselves the Aviat Painters who are currently selling some of Holman’s most magnificent and valued artwork to raise funds to undertake eye operations.

Artists themselves, the group is led by Christine Wilson, who raises funds so that Dr Amyna Sultan at the Pacific International Hospital can carry out free eye operations and provide glasses for local villagers who cannot afford the normal fees.

The colour paintings by Hal Holman include some of his masterpieces that have been used over the years for PNG stamps and for academic purposes and exhibitions. They depict natural settings and the country’s flora and fauna.

The Aviat Painters describe Mr Holman’s gift as his final act of generosity to the country that he loved, adding that he became emotional when he heard the purpose for selling prints of his paintings was to restore the sight of as many blind people as possible as a free service.

“With any luck, Hal Holman’s wonderful donation will mean many more hundreds of Port Moresby people will soon be able to lead meaningful lives again with such a precious gift as sight,” the committee said.

So far Dr Amyna has assisted nearly 100 people after they were referred to her by a quadriplegic from Pari village on the outskirts of Port Moresby, Karaho Domisi, who collects names of people who cannot afford the normal fee for operations.

Other artwork by Hal Holman include the frog, dragonfly and praying mantis at the Port Moresby Botanical Gardens plus bronze statues of PNG’s Prime Ministers in the national Parliament.

His other works include the eight-metre high stainless steel bird of paradise statue at the round about on Sir John Guise Drive in Waigani.

Source: PNG Post-Courier, 6 December 2010