An Artist deals with dementia
What Happens When an Artist Begins To Experience Dementia
This fantastic article by "The Guardian, explores how various forms of art, such as fiction, films, drama, poetry, and painting, can attempt to portray and understand the experience of dementia, a condition that causes progressive brain damage and cognitive decline in people.
They argue that art can enable us to enter into other people's lives and selves, but also challenges us to face the mystery and horror of self-loss and identity fragmentation that dementia entails.
The article cites examples of different artists and works that have dealt with dementia in different ways, such as William Utermohlen's self-portraits, Emma Healey's novel Elizabeth Is Missing, Florian Zeller's play The Father, and Julianne Moore's performance in Still Alice. The article also discusses the ethical and emotional issues that arise from using someone else's pain to create a story, and the potential benefits of raising awareness and empathy for people with dementia through art.
Read the Full Guardian Article here
William Utermohlen, How Dementia Changed his Art
William Utermohlen was an American artist who lived and worked in London for most of his life. He was known for his paintings, drawings, and sculptures that explored themes such as identity, memory, and history. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1995, at the age of 61
After his diagnosis, Utermohlen began to paint a series of self-portraits that documented his experience of dementia. He painted these portraits over a period of eight years, until he was no longer able to do so. He used different styles and techniques to express his changing perception and cognition. He also tried to capture his emotions, fears, and sadness as he faced the loss of his self and identity.
Utermohlen's self-portraits are a powerful and unique artistic, medical, and personal record of dementia. They show the gradual deterioration of his brain function and the impact of the disease on his appearance, personality, and communication. They also reveal his courage, creativity, and resilience in coping with his condition
Utermohlen's 1st Portrait After Diagnosis
Utermohlen's Final Portrait After Diagnosis
