After more than 30 years living with myalgic encephalomyelitis, Albany artist Ainsley Maclean is sharing his experience through his first solo exhibition at the Vancouver Arts Centre.

Echos of a Tension: Art and Endurance will run from May 25-29 and feature 13 abstract artworks created to raise awareness of the debilitating condition.

Maclean said his love for shapes and art begun at a young age.

“I first started as a child; I used to go around the neighbourhoods grabbing pieces of asbestos and sit on the lounge room floor drawing these geometric shapes,” he said.

“I’ve never done any art classes or anything like that.”

Maclean said this type of art is perfect for what his body can handle physically and mentally living with ME.

“I work from the computer because with my condition there are days when drawing or writing is even impossible, so I use a program called Art Rage,” he said.

“I can only do art for about an hour at a time before having to stop and go and sleep or rest.

“My art looks very similar to my life which is very fragmented.”

Maclean said the main purpose of his exhibition is not only about the art but to also educate and raise awareness of ME.

“I’ve put together a brochure which as you walk into the exhibition . . . it’s got a bit about me, quite a lot about the condition and then it’s got the artwork listed on the back,” he said.

“I’m trying to explain to people that is not just about being tired, it’s actually a multi-system neurological condition.

“The Neurological Council of WA will also have some brochures out.”

Maclean said he was excited for the exhibition to be seen by the public and said selling an artwork would be an added bonus.

“I’ve never exhibited my art before and to be honest it’s more about getting awareness about the condition out more than the art, but if I sold a piece of art . . . that would be marvellous,” he said.

“The main point is to build some understanding (about the disease) which is really important to me.”