Artist William Utermohlen learned in 1995 that he had Alzheimer’s disease—which causes a type of progressive dementia. He responded to the news by painting self-portraits. Alzheimer’s can specifically affect brain areas involved in spatial abilities, which are crucial for painting. As his dementia progressed, Utermohlen’s images became less distinct and more abstract; these three portraits were done in (left to right) 1998, 1999, and 2000. Although he recognized that his paintings weren’t what he wanted, he said that he “could not figure out how to correct them” (Grady, 2006).
Courtesy of Galerie Beckel-Odille-Boicos, Paris
Courtesy of Galerie Beckel-Odille-Boicos, Paris
Courtesy of Galerie Beckel-Odille-Boicos, Paris
Courtesy of Galerie Beckel-Odille-Boicos, Paris
Courtesy of Galerie Beckel-Odille-Boicos, Paris