Often people forget there are many great figures in history who have disabilities.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Renaissance sculptor and painter Michelangelo was believed to have bi-polar; Picasso worked with learning disability; Vincent Van Gogh had a mental illness and painted in and out of institutions; and winner of the 2015 Archibald Prize, Nigel Milson, is also dealing with mental health issues – to name a few.
This week celebrates all people of varying abilities, and includes the opening of the “Outsider Artists” exhibition at Wollongong Art Gallery on Thursday.
“Art is such a powerful form of expression and I still find it incredible when someone who struggles to communicate can then create these amazing artworks,” art therapist Victoria Velozo said.
Ms Velozo has guided a group of more than 30 artists in their work to form striking landscapes, abstracts and other colourful pieces for the exhibition which runs until January 3.
The group includes people with conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome and spina bifida. Art has proven a creative outlet for them, which for some, is their main form of communication.
“Being directly involved in all aspects of the artistic process, gives the artists a sense of empowerment and control over how they are perceived by the general public,” Ms Velozo said.
“While in turn, an exhibition to the general public allows the community to value the participants on an equal footing with any other artist.”
Belinda Lamb said she and her family were amazed by what her sister Vanessa Young has produced after being involved in the group for only 10 months.
“Sometimes when you have a disability in the family you kind of have an idea of what they’re capable of and we never really gave her this opportunity," Ms Lamb said.
“I think a lot of the families have found they’re quite amazed”
Ms Velozo said while people with disabilities may see the world quite distorted to others, sometimes people may underestimate what they’re capable of.
Outsider Artists Exhibition, opening at Wollongong Art Galley Thursday, 1pm.