Disability Rocks!
Featuring artworks by Indra Aulak, Andrew Cathers, Andrew Jackson, Taehee Kim, Alex Lecce,
and David Mutnjakoviac
December 2 - 22, 2023
Outsiders and Others, 716 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Reception: December 2 from 2-4pm. Free and open to the public.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is on December 3rd and is an annual day of celebration around the world. We celebrate it every year with an exhibition featuring artists who identify as living with a disability. Every year we do an exhibition in honour of this holiday and to bring awareness to the cause.
This years exhibition is called “Disability Rocks!” and features 6 artists all from Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. These artists are Indra Aluk, Andrew Cathers, Andrew Jackson, Taehee Kim, Alex Lecce,
and David Mutnjakovia.
“When viewing artwork created by artists with different abilities, we get the rare opportunity to see artworks created with a specific skill set that is not often seen. The focus of this exhibition is to celebrate to unique and skilled artists.”
Yuri Arajs / Curator
Andrew Cathers is a self-taught artist, and born in Whistler, BC. He makes art on a regular basis to keep himself interested, to stay challenged creatively, and to keep busy. Primarily an observer, Andrew takes in the world around him and returns it to us in the form of detailed fields of intense colour and pattern. Seeing his work in person allows you to feel all that has gone into the creation of each piece.
“I paint things that you cannot see with the naked eye, an emotion, an idea, things you can sense or feel. I am inspired by the randomness of life and patterns that occur in nature. I am creating art as a response to ideas and perceptions of reality.” –Andrew Cathers.
Detail
Detail
Taehee Kim, who commenced painting 2 years ago, captures the essence of nature through her art, featuring cats, alders, trees, and flowers commonly encountered in our daily lives. Her drawings, imbued with innocence, joy, and happiness, provide a therapeutic escape, inviting viewers into a world of healing. Taehee's cheerful disposition is beautifully reflected in her work, allowing her inner self to shine through each drawing and bringing smiles to those who appreciate her creations.
Taehee Kim
Still Life #2
10" x 8" framed
Marker on paper
SOLD
Taehee Kim
Landscape
8" x 10" framed
Marker on paper
SOLD
Taehee Kim
Birds in Flight
10" x 8" framed
Marker on paper
SOLD
Dave Mutnjakovic is a versatile artist whose creative journey has been profoundly shaped by his personal battles with Crohn's disease and mental health challenges. Born in the border region between Canada and the United States, Dave's life can be divided into three distinct phases: life, death, and rebirth.
At the age of thirteen, Dave's life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition. This marked the beginning of a challenging period filled with debilitating pain, isolation, and a profound sense of loneliness. As his classmates embarked on their high school adventures, Dave found himself turning inward, grappling not only with the physical toll of his disease but also with mental health struggles that accompanied it.
Dave's journey through high school was a poignant exploration of resilience and the human spirit's capacity to endure. His disease, coupled with a demanding job, isolated him from the vibrant world he once knew. The simultaneous weight of Crohn's disease and mental health challenges cast a shadow over his formative years. Yet, even in the darkest moments, Dave's indomitable spirit kept him moving forward.
It was during these challenging years that Dave's artistic journey was truly ignited. His struggle with mental health and the relentless battle with Crohn's disease became the catalyst for his artistic expression. He turned to art as a means of catharsis, self-discovery, and a lifeline to navigate the complexities of his internal world.
Dave's educational journey reflects his unwavering commitment to art as a tool for healing and transformation. Armed with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Community Art Education and another in Film Animation from Concordia University, he honed his skills and harnessed the power of creativity to confront his mental health challenges and grapple with the unpredictable nature of Crohn's disease.
Today, Dave's art is a poignant reflection of his experiences. His work delves into the depths of trauma, resilience, and healing, informed by the unique perspective of someone who has navigated the shadows of both physical and mental health battles. His creations explore the intricate intersection of pain, trauma, and the transformative power of imagination.
Dave Mutnjakovic's art serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through his journey with Crohn's disease and mental health challenges, he has discovered a profound way to channel his pain and experiences into art that resonates deeply with audiences. His work inspires empathy, understanding, and hope, reminding us all that even in the face of adversity, there is beauty, strength, and healing to be found through artistic expression.
Dave Mutnjakovic
The Organismal and Mental Mysteries
41.8” x 53.7”
Pen and ink on paper
Framed
2021
Contact us for price and availability.
Indra Aulak
"I like to be in art shows. I like to paint. I enjoy painting with paint! I like people to look at my artwork and be surprised by it. I like to be busy and make things with my hands, it makes me feel good. I feel happy when people like my artwork! I like to gift my artwork to friends. I like to see my art hanging on the wall."
Indra Aulak
Tucan
20” x 16” framed
Pen and ink on fabric
SOLD
Andrew Jackson
Andrew is a Vancouver based visual artist.
Andrew became interested in art this past year. It began as a distraction and a way to think about something else besides Covid, during difficult, isolating times. His paintings explore a whimsical window into the madcap world of cats. Andrew creates and shares a quirky, upside-down world of fun and humour, using colour and pattern. Andrew hopes to have a cat of his own one day.
Andrew Jackson
Bird and Cat guitar
40” x 16” x 5" approx.
Acrylic on found guitar
Contact us for price and availability.
Alex Lecce
Hello! My name is Alex Lecce and I am 26 years old. I know about art. I do paintings about Transformers, Thomas the Tank Engine, Peter Rabbit, trains, cars, Batman from the 60s, scenery, and other things. I make wooden carvings, and I paint them with acrylics. I use modeling clay to create sculptures, and I paint those too! I like to draw using pencil crayons, sketching pencils.
I see the world in different ways, and art is good for me. I hope you enjoy my work. Thank you for stopping by!
Alex Lecce
Queen Victoria
12" x 9"
Pencil on paper with decorated frame
SOLD
Alex Lecce
Sherwood Forest
11" x 8.5"
Pencil on paper
SOLD