AN inspiring show of works by two artists with a rare medical condition is launching the arts programme at Liverpool’s newest galleries.
Liverpudlian Tommy McHugh and American Jon Sarkin are exhibiting their work at the new Novas Scarman group’s Contemporary Urban Centre.
The pair have an extremely rare condition called Sudden Artistic Output.
Both artists had a stroke a number of years ago and have since developed a compulsion to write, paint and sculpt, becoming prolific full-time artists.
There are only a handful of cases in the world of artistic output following sudden onset brain damage. Medical science is yet to fully understand the condition.
Erwina Ghafar, director art and design for the Contemporary Urban Centre, said: “We’re delighted and very honoured to be working with two brilliant artists.
“Giving out support to these artists reflects our ethos in working with and showcasing the work of people traditionally excluded from arts and cultural activity.”
Liverpool-born Mr McHugh previously worked as a builder, had a history of violence and drug abuse and had served time in prison.
Since suffering a stroke in 2001, Mr McHugh, who lives in Birkenhead, has experimented with painting, writing and sculpting, dealing with themes relating to his “split-mind”, which he says changed his personality.
Boston chiropractor Jon Sarkin sustained frontal lobe damage in 1988 and found his primary impulse was to create. He went on to become a successful artist, with hundreds of drawings and numerous shows.
The free exhibition runs at the Contemporary Urban Centre in Greenland Street from today until March 25, from 11am to 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
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