William Utermohlen was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 1995 yet he continued drawing. His last self portraits painted between 1995 and 2001 tell a unique tale of an implacable disease encroaching on to his mind and senses. With perseverance, courage and honesty the artist adapts his style and technique to the growing limitations of his perception and motor skills to produce images that communicate his predicament.This image offered fascinating insights into how dementia can affect visual perception.William Utermohlen was born in Philadelphia in 1933, graduated from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in 1957 where he studied under Walter Steumfig and continued his studies at the Ruskin school of art in Oxford from 1957-59. He settled in London in 1962 and married the art historian Patricia Utermohlen in 1965. He died from the consequences of Alzheimer’s disease in March 2007.
"His works of art are not only beautiful in their own right but serve as a unique clinical documentation of the effect that Alzheimer’s has on the mind: a reflection from the inside out; a rare perspective that cannot be gained from reading a textbook. "
"His works of art are not only beautiful in their own right but serve as a unique clinical documentation of the effect that Alzheimer’s has on the mind: a reflection from the inside out; a rare perspective that cannot be gained from reading a textbook. "
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