The Power of Art
The Linda Hummel-Shea ArtSpace at Northern Essex Community College hosts a new exhibit by Cleveland-based artist Max Denney, featuring works on paper using oil-based crayons. Denney says the pieces are “informed by a relationship with a Cosmic (Cognitive) Genetic Disorder. I call it, The Mystic Man. Through the creative process, I accept, cope, and manage my disorder successfully, with joy.”
“Max Denney: The Challenge Drawings”
“How has genetics appeared in art over time?” by Dr. Bassem Bejjani
“Art has always played a key role in human society, going back thousands of years…Throughout human history, artists have used their work to address issues that are often taboo, or that society at large finds uncomfortable to tackle directly. Artists have always incorporated the important issues of their time into their works…One of these important issues that has appeared in art over time is genetics, and more specifically the physical manifestations of genetic conditions.”
“Art exhibit sheds light on lives of those affected by genetic disorders” by Celia Janes
“Rushna Raza, said she created the exhibit because of her interest in genetics and because she wanted to provide more insight into the lives of patients affected by these disorders.”
“…patients’ lives go beyond what meets the eye,” she said. “Those stories never get told unless you ask.”
“The exhibit features five pieces of visual and interactive artwork created by students that aim to educate others on the invisible suffering caused by genetic disorders, Raza said… The projects also reflected the roles these heritable diseases have played throughout their families’ histories.”
HDSA: Kathy Gibson's Works on Pain of Huntington’s Disease and Caregiving
“Kathy Gibson understands Huntington’s disease and the challenges it poses for both the affected individual and their caregiver. She has used her experience as a caregiver to her sister to create a series of signed, limited archival edition gicleé prints that capture the essence of a person with HD. Her wish, in creating these works, is to validate and remind all caregivers that your journey has meaning as well as to stimulate conversation and understanding among those affected by HD and the caregiving community.”
“Children With Down Syndrome Recreate Famous Paintings To Prove That Everyone Is A Work Of Art” by Eren Erduran
“Every human is a piece of art.”
“Albanian photographer Soela Zani gives new life to individuals with Down Syndrome by recreating famous paintings…”
“Let’s not forget that the importance of family awareness and our attitude towards people who are different are great. To educate children and to provide the clear differences for individuals with special needs...to develop positive attitudes and behaviors of the adults of the future, we have to create positive examples.”
“Because we are stronger than our differences, with more happiness.”