19 OCTOBER- 2 NOVEMBER, 2005
A two week group exhibition featuring the two artists Tommy McHugh, and international artist Marion Kalmus plus Georgie Connor, Terry Kane, Rachel Duerden, Wendalena Kazinski and Jamie Reid.
Image on right provided by Tommy McHugh
Tommy McHugh was born in Liverpool. He worked as a builder, and had a history of violence and class A drug abuse. His only interest in drawing was in scrawling tattoos on his arms whilst serving time in prison.
Since suffering a stroke in 2001, Tommy has felt a need to create, and has experimented with painting, drawing, writing and sculpting, dealing with themes relating to his 'split-mind'. Tommy's stroke was caused by two small bleeds in both sides of his brain known as subarachnoid haemorrhages. Surgeons repaired the bleeds using a clip and a coil. His stroke appeared to unlock his creative side. This phenomenon known as "sudden artistic output" is extremely rare.
His art has been exhibited at local libraries and galleries and the Glaxo Neurological Centre. He is due to be filmed by Japanese TV, and Channel 4. Tom is also keen to promote local artists, organisations and arts in general through his publicity. Please visit the following links for more information:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3826857.stm
http://www.ich.ucl.ac.uk/pressoffice/pressrelease_00225
http://www.mlythgoe.com/tommy/21%20june%202004%20Telegraph%20tommy/displayPrintable.htm
Marion Kalmus is an international artist who is writing a book on Tommy and also displayed work at the egg. She has studied Tommy's work as part of a residency.
See the slideshow below of images from this show & if you have sound - turn it up! If you have trouble playing the slideshow, please refresh your browser and / or press play.