McHugh, Tommy

www.artinliverpool.com/tommymchugh

http://www.engine-rooms.co.uk/

www.tommymchugh.com

http://secure.lenos.com/lenos/pcg/mindscapes/

Painting, sculpture

Photographs of artwork here by Gianni Bianchini

Tommy McHugh was born in Liverpool. He worked as a builder, and had a history of violence and class A drug abuse. His only interest in drawing was in scrawling tattoos on his arms whilst serving time in prison. Since suffering a stroke in 2001, Tommy has felt a need to create, and has experimented with painting, drawing, writing and sculpting, dealing with themes relating to his ‘split-mind’, which Tommy states has changed his personality.

Tommy’s stroke was caused by two small bleeds in both sides of his brain known as subarachnoid haemorrhages. Surgeons repaired the bleeds using a clip and a coil. His stroke appeared to unlock his creative side. This phenomenon known as “sudden artistic output” is extremely rare.

The London based artist, Marion Kalmus (www.marionkalmus.co.uk) is currently writing a book about Tommy. They have exhibited together at Liverpool’s Eggspace Gallery.

Recent Exhibitions:

Novas CUC Feb 2008 Joint Exhibition
with Jon Sarkin

The Engine Rooms Sept 2008 – Jan 30 2009 video promotion for Tommy’s Engine Rooms
exhibition link
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=35GJqkO866g

The Neurosupport Centre, Liverpool – July/November 2007
Eggspace Gallery, Liverpool ‘Out of Your Mind’
Libraries across Liverpool
The EggSpace Gallery Liverpool
Solo show Curated by Marion Kalmus 11^th February 2006 Museum Man
1^st May 2006 London Biennale
Group exhibition August 2006, Moreton, Wirral