Art after stroke exhibition launches in London

Artwork created by a number of London stroke survivors will be the focus of a new exhibition at the Coningsby Gallery from Wednesday 19 July to Friday 21 July 2017.

The exhibition will showcase the works of five stroke survivors, and will also include pieces by London well known artists including Dave Gibbons, Eileen Cooper and Martin Yeoman.

One stroke survivor whose artwork will be displayed is Judy Gordon, 48, from Lewisham. Judy is an Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance, and has had an extensive career as a ballerina, actress, singer and dancer. In November 2015, Judy had a stroke which left her unable to use the left side of her body.

Judy said: “The day I had my stroke is a day I’ll never forget. Dancing has been my life from a very small age. I’ve spent 16 months slowly recovering and I’m thankfully able to dance again – not as I could but differently. I still struggle with my memory and information processing which affects me being able to choreograph, but I’m determined to continue to get better.”

In 1998 Judy founded and was Artistic Director of a local performing arts charity in Deptford called Montage Theatre Arts. Judy taught drama, dance and singing courses each week and directed shows of up to 300 performers for 18 years.

Judy adds: “The piece I’ll be showcasing at the Stroke Association’s London Art Show is a dance film I’ve directed and produced in collaboration with dancer/choreographer and dance film-maker Omari Carter. The film symbolises my stroke and what happened. I feel that it’s so important to share your experiences with other stroke survivors because it makes you realise you’re not on your own."

Gabi Field, Community and Events Fundraising Manager from the Stroke Association, said: “Art therapy can help stroke survivors build their confidence and find their voice again. Many stroke survivors, such as Judy, show overwhelming courage and determination in coping with the loss of many things we take for granted, such as being able to walk on our own, or say what we are feeling, or. This exhibition gives us the chance to demonstrate the powerful ways art enables people to express themselves.”

The London Art Show is free to attend and is running Wednesday 19 July to Friday 21 July, from 09.30am to 17.30pm at The Coningsby Gallery. All artwork can be purchased at the show. For more information, please email londonevents@stroke.org.uk or call 02079401344.