Tom Andrews: 21yo with rare mitochondrial disease debuts abstract paintings in solo Subiaco exhibition

An artist with a rare mitochondrial disease is holding his first solo exhibition in Subiaco this month.

The public are invited to take a step into the abstract world of Tom Andrews as he showcases more than 40 artworks he’s painted over the year.

From acrylic paint, collage to oil pastels and paint pens, the 21-year-old has been putting colour to paper since he was a kid, but started to take it more seriously only since leaving school.

But painting isn’t just an outlet for Mr Andrews; it is also a vital form of expression, as his rare mitochondrial disease makes speaking and co-ordinating movements challenging.

“My work is mostly abstract. I paint what I am feeling at the time,” Mr Andrews explained.

“It feels relaxing and is something that I can do and control by myself. It helps me express things that I sometimes cannot put into words.”

His father Steven said painting had helped empower Tom to “be himself”.

“There are so many benefits. He attends class by himself, giving him confidence to get out and about in the community,” he said.

“It is a relaxing and non-judgmental environment.”

Mr Andrews’ first exhibition is at Creative Pair Studios in Subiaco, where he has been taking weekly classes for the past year.

“It is a judgment free zone where I can be me and do my own thing. The ladies are very supportive,” he said.

His father said the studio’s mentors Hildegarde van Zyl and Catherine Lumb had been “fantastic”.

“They look past his disability and have included him in their art community,” he said.

“They are supportive and respectful of Tom and are always happy to have a cup of tea and a chat with him whilst he works.”

“The Abstract World of Tom Andrews” will have its opening night at the studio this Friday from 5pm-8pm. The exhibition will run from September 20-26 at Creative Pair Studio at 183 Rokeby Road, Subiaco.