The Standard - UK
Artist who can only talk through painting to have first exhibition in London
By Naomi Ackerman
Colourful works created by an artist born with a brain tumour that has resulted in him suffering more than 50,000 seizures are to go on show in Mayfair.
At 14 months old, Nicholas Kontaxis, from California, was diagnosed with a type of extensive tumour that causes five to 10 seizures per day. Now 23, the artist, who has undergone many surgeries, has severe autism, developmental delay, and is non-verbal, communicates through his brush.
Having taught himself to paint, he works for at least eight hours each day. He has been exhibited in top Los Angeles and New York galleries, and counts collectors including Roger Federer as fans.
From next week a collection of his canvases will be on show in Mayfair – Kontaxis’s first show outside the US.
The exhibition will run at West Contemporary gallery, 35 Baker Street, from September 4 to 10