Like Van Gogh's Bedroom of Arles, William Utermohlen's self-portraits, painted over many years as his Alzheimer's progressed, say simply: Here I am. This is what I see.
They're devastating and beautiful. And an important reminder that in every creative act there is an act of generousity -- which isn't necessarily a remedy, but is really all we have.
Here's a link to the New York Times story that just ran -- which is accompanied by a slideshow of Utermohlen's self-portraits »
And here's a link to a BBC piece back in 2001 »
