Lenny Gallo

These paintings are part of a series documenting key moments in 2012-13. In May of 2012, I was placed on  a medication that caused adverse side effects that left me with a rare movement disorder known as Tardive Syndrome (Akathisia, Tourette-like movements, etc.) These oil on canvas paintings were created to express the helpless feelings associated with that time, to provide caution, and make viewers aware of the pain associated with this condition. This series served as a therapeutic device.

 

I chose to work with my favorite medium, oil on canvas. The brush work was intentionally very linear and almost cartoon-like because of the limitations of my body at the time. I also chose to keep it very simple because what was happening to me at that moment in time was incredibly complex and beyond my comprehension. I hope for those people who are still struggling in the acute phases of this disorder, or for anyone struggling with a rare or chronic condition, that you will find some shared experiences in this work.