Working with artists with disabilities.
(page 2)
• Click here to return Page 1
From Michael
www.studioasu.com presents....
the one night only art launch for Michael Kagan, an emerging artist with disability....
FROM MICHAEL (art launch evening) Opened 13th DEC 2007 6.30PM
ACCESSIBLE ART MEETING ROOM
Pier 4, The Wharf, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay (Wheelchair accessable)
Project Concept: Lara Naigus (mother)
Curator: Arthur Chan
Sponsor: Brudno family
From Michael
From Michael is an alternative exhibition project, in which a single evening event was hosted to launch the artist's career, Mr Michael-Gabriel Kagan. Concepted by his mother Ms Lara Naigus, we converted Michael's artworks onto folded cards and will distribute these cards during the Launch Evening. The Launch Evening will also be the opening night for Michael's social networking group Circle of Life, for artists and people of interest to develop a long term friendship with Michael.
Michael's artwork:
Information on Cards
"....12 years after his car accident, Michael-Gabriell completed Calm Night and Extra-terrestrials in 1993, the paintings were completed with his art teacher's facilitation, in a period of 12 months..."
Video from the Art Launch:
About Michael Gabriel Kagan
Michael was born in Israel and his parents came to Australia when he was only 18 months old. They settled in Sydney and his family had lots of dreams and hopes in their new found homeland and son.
A month after his 5 th birthday Michael went to visit his paternal grandparents in Melbourne . On 27 th of December 1981 Michael was run over by a car on a busy Chapel Street in Melbourne ; a city he was unfamiliar with. He was in coma for almost 4 months and gradually he started to respond: first to warm water, much later his first smile when his dad was chasing a fly away from him...
Michael’s parents were determined and devoted themselves to his rehabilitation, dedicating many years of alternative and available therapies with an army of volunteers. Some programs lasted 6 years and involved very intensive work up to 14 hours a day 6 days a week.
Michael’s parents divorced in 1994. He lives with both parents at different times and during the day attends the Manly Community Access Service. Michael’s passion, however, is painting. In 1995 Michael produced a series of paintings with an art teacher. Unfortunately Michael was not able to dedicate his time and efforts to his beloved art as he had lots of health issues and had to re-evaluate his abilities and priorities. It was always a hope, however, that he would find a way to paint again.Michael’s mum, Lara has been inspired by many other people with disabilities and their families. She became involved with an organisation called Family Advocacy a few years ago. Family Advocacy helped confirm for her that Michael deserved to have a chance to make a meaningful contribution. Lara met Libby Ellis, who now works for Jewish Care. Libby has been persistent in her urging to think about the future; to make sure there is a plan, vision and circle of friends in the future. Through this relationship, there was another amazing grace. Libby introduced Michael to Arthur who is a fantastic young man and an artist! Arthur has spent time with Michael to assist him get involved in art again.
As a first project Michael decided to print his paintings from 1995 in card format. His aunt and her family, the Brudno’s, in the USA are sponsoring the printing of his cards and the proceeds from sale of the cards is will be going to stem cell research around brain injury.
Arthur, Michael and Lara have worked hard to organise a public launch of his cards.- Lara Naigus (mother)