Sydney based Australian artist Thom Roberts has achieved something most creatives only ever dream of. He’s held his first solo exhibition, The Immersive World of Thom Roberts, at one of Australia’s most important national galleries.

Thom lives with an intellectual disability, so this achievement is significant not only for himself but also for other artists who live with disability. Australian audiences have been able to see his brilliant work on a grand scale.

It’s the first time an artist with an intellectual disability has held a solo exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra (NPG).

In the words of the artist himself, his work is joyous.

“It is my first time having all my work together in two big rooms. There are my old pictures and now they are next to my new pictures. Old and new together. I think visitors like how they feel in my exhibition. There are lots of feelings in there like happiness, frustrated, joy, worried and nervous,” he says.

“I think my exhibition will make people laugh, think, feel confused and shocked.”

His work features dynamic colours. In some instances, images of people, trains and buildings overlap. In other paintings, double sets of eyes feature along with piano teeth.

‘I do it Thom’s way,’ the artist explains.

The NPG praised the exhibition. A spokesperson for the NPG told abilityNEWS it was “warmly embraced by thousands of visitors of all ages. A joyous and significant exhibition, audiences noted how important it was to experience Thom’s incredible imagination and point of view.”

His exhibition got thousands of visits, great reviews, national attention, audience acclaim, and for the artist, a chance to share his most unique style.

The exposure has raised Thom Roberts’ profile as an important Australian artist, boosted his self-belief and contributed to his earnings as an artist.

____________________________________

[continued from newsletter]

Thom Roberts works and paints from Sydney’s Studio A which provides art education and employment opportunities for artists with disability. “For Thom the impact is personal and profound,” says CEO Gabrielle Mordy.

“He is recognised and respected as a contemporary artist, earns income from his practice, and takes pride in his achievements. Having Thom Roberts’ art showcased by a major national cultural institution challenges perceptions and reframes the work of artists with disability.”

“The exhibition highlights the calibre and cultural value of work by artists with intellectual disability, breaking down limiting stereotype,” Mordy added. She said exhibitions such as this one “elevate the voice of an artist with disability and powerfully illustrate the creative contributions artists can make when supported by the right systems.”

Born in 1976, Thom Roberts has earlier participated in several high-profile exhibitions, including The National 2019: New Australian Art and Archibald Prize final collections.

The audience was asked for feedback. Here are some of the audience comments provided to abilityNEWS by the NPG.

“This exhibition feels uncompromised - it is wholly his vision. I love how genuine it feels.”

“This is really significant that your gallery is holding this exhibition. It’s about time.”

“That was really great, wonderful. Very clever and joyous. And just beautiful art, the realization of an incredible imagination.”

“It’s great that someone with an intellectual disability is represented in a National Institution. It’s well overdue.”