Meeting with Richard, artist and person with aphasia
We are pleased to present to you the works of Richard Battistuzzi, a person with aphasia and a talented artist. Thanks to Rosa, his wife and caregiver, we had the chance to discover his creations.
Today, we would like to pay tribute to his work, which has deeply touched us. Richard has always been a self-taught artist. Aphasic after a stroke in 2004, this former accountant continues to express his passion despite aphasia. Rosa, his wife, explains to us that Richard has always painted. Opposite, one of his first works, painted in 1976.
Richard is also a poet, as evidenced by this poem (below) dating from 1987 with its enigmatic and mysterious verses:
Jewel of earth garden forced sublimely
from rugged dust
star beam child
we explore each other in a reluctant gamble
What is also impressive about Richard is the diversity of his works, which are structured around thematic series.
Relearning to draw with aphasia
With aphasia, Richard had to learn to use his left hand because his right hand is paralyzed. His first post-stroke creation, in 2005, is a work full of charm. Isn't that the magic of art?
Richard's post-stroke works are guided by the exploration of new artistic forms, bolder than ever before.
Representing aphasia through art
Aphasia can be accompanied by severe physical disabilities such as hemiplegia, which is manifested by paralysis on one side of the body. In many of his works, Richard depicts his characters asymmetrically, showing only one side of the body. According to his wife Rosa, this symbolises aphasia.
Art as a means of expression
Richard tried to participate in art groups, but his aphasia made communication difficult. He often found himself isolated. So he devoted himself to his art alone. For Rosa, his wife, this practice has therapeutic virtues. Through his works, Richard has thus found a means of expression that is uniquely his own.
Would you like to see more of Richard's works? We invite you to consult the following links:
Automated Drifts: The works presented here are the exclusive property of Richard Battistuzzi. Any reproduction, distribution or commercial exploitation is prohibited. These creations are protected by current copyright legislation.
To find out more about our activities for people with aphasia and caregivers:
- Would you like to consult our calendar for people with aphasia? here.
- Would you like to register for our workshops for people with aphasia? here.
- Do you want to know more about aphasia? here.
- Would you like to know more about our workshops for caregivers? Click here
- Would you like to consult our calendar for caregivers? here.
- Would you like to know more about our workshops for people with aphasia? Click here
