William Utermohlen - Art & Alzheimer’s

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William Utermohlen's story is incredibly inspiring and is a testament to the power of human creativity. An artist since his childhood, Utermohlen was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1997.  In retrospect, his style underwent a dramatic change from his previous work during the early 90's, which was likely due to the as yet undiagnosed onset of Alzheimer's.  After he was diagnosed, however, he decided that he would use his art to help to understand the diseaseand to show what was happening to him in his art,  and continued to paint self portraits as the diseased progressed.

Over the years as his Alzheimer's disease progressed, these portraits show a steady decline in his perception and spatial awareness. Despite his declining condition, Utermohlen continued to have the desire to paint, which shows the enduring power of human creativity.

Though he no longer paints, his portraits have given doctors incredible insight into how Alzheimer's disease affect the brain, as well as clues to which part of the brain handles creativity.

The New York Times has put together a slideshow of his portraits that visually chonicle the progression of the disease and how its effects were manifested in his work. It's fascinating to view and well worth taking the time to see his work. Also, be sure to check out his earlier works at Galerie Beckel Odille Boicos.

Though William Utermohlen's story is filled with much pain and sorrow, it is also filled with inspiration and fascination that his will to paint could endure and remain so strong despite the powerful effects of dementia.