6533b7dbfe1ef96bd1270d67

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Fine art and the quality of life of a prominent artist with frontotemporal dementia

subject

description

In neuroscience, no coherent definition of art is generally accepted, because its boundaries are redefined continuously, and at any time one may encounter an artwork that departs from the existing definitions. Art is considered an essential element of any educational and/or therapeutic approach aimed at developing the imagination and enriching the emotional life of the patient. This article describes a prominent Cracow artist with a rapidly progressing frontotemporal dementia (FTD). An analysis of his artwork shows that the disturbances caused by his disease have changed his artistic style in startlingly varied ways, from insight and innovation to the complete loss of creativity. The discussion takes into account similar presentations that can be found in the world literature. Emphasis is given to the possibility of expressing one’s own unique view of the world in fine art until advanced stages of the illness. The production of works of art by persons suffering from frontotemporal dementia requires acceptance from the immediate surroundings. Art may be considered an important therapeutic tool, since it improves the quality of life of both patients and persons in their immediate surroundings.