From therapy class to gallery invitations: artist's voice emerges
Colin Hanssen discovered painting six months ago in art therapy. Now gallery curators are asking him to exhibit.
Colin Hanssen, 31, was born with cerebral palsy and is largely non-verbal. Just six months ago, he discovered abstract painting in an art therapy class.
It became his voice. Using his wheelchair and right hand, he blends earthy and colourful tones and combines performance with paint.
Hanssen's work draws from his lived experience, including time spent in Africa. His first exhibition at his Albany studio has already caught the attention of Perth gallery curators.
Two people from different galleries in Perth have asked if he will exhibit with them. His mother Wendy recalls doctors saying he would not survive to his first birthday.
His recovery and artistic discovery show unexpected paths can emerge at any time.
- 31
- Age
- 6 months
- Time painting
- Albany, WA south coast
- Location
- Two Perth galleries
- Gallery interest
Why it mattersArt proved powerful for self-expression. For someone without typical verbal communication, it opened professional opportunity.
AustraliaColin's work will soon be shown in Perth galleries, raising visibility for disability arts and artists in Western Australia.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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