Brush Strokes: Former stroke patient Brendan McHugh opens art exhibition at UHG

Saolta Arts officially launched Brush Strokes, a new exhibition by self-taught artist Brendan McHugh (@lbionic), on Saturday 11 April in the Arts Corridor at University Hospital Galway (UHG).

The exhibition features 11 artworks created while Brendan was a patient in University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital following a stroke. During his time in hospital, Brendan had the opportunity to engage with professional visual artists through the Saolta Arts programme, where creative practice became part of his response to illness and recovery.

Some works are rooted in Brendan’s experience of hospital life and recovery, with references to clinical spaces and treatment; while others draw on the visual world of horror and science fiction that has long influenced his practice, blending personal experience with imaginative themes.

Speaking at the opening, Brendan McHugh said: “During my rehabilitation, with my speech impaired, I fell into a trance of making art, it brought light into a dark time. I’m deeply grateful to all the staff at UHG, Merlin Park University Hospital, the ESD Team and Saolta Arts. Everyone has been incredible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Trish Galvin, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Stroke Care, Galway University Hospitals, said: “It’s a privilege to go on the journeys with the people I meet when they have had a stroke, these journeys can be varied, and difficult. It’s amazing to see how Brendan found an outlet, and captured  the day to day workings of our hospital ward, to help him on his recovery. The title of Brendan’s exhibition is Brush Strokes, after a stroke, art can become more than expression or a piece of work, it becomes a bridge back to yourself, one stroke at a time.”

Brush Strokes is organised by Saolta Arts as part of its ongoing commitment to bringing high quality arts experiences into healthcare settings for patients, staff and visitors. The exhibition will remain on display until 11 June.