‘Fampyra - My Story’ by artist Seamus Burke exhibits at University Hospital Galway

‘Fampyra - My Story’ an exhibition by artist Seamus Burke was launched on the arts corridor of UHG today, Tuesday, April 05  by Mags Ryan, Community Development worker with the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The exhibition will be on display in the arts corridor until Monday 18 April.
 
Through his arts practice Seamus Burke explores his diagnosis and living with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Diagnosed in 2001 art has become a ‘means of communication’ for him throughout his illness. 
 
At the launch today, Seamus shared his story; the solace art gave him stating, “Art has pulled me through many ups and downs”, while giving an insight to the audience, his struggles with acquiring the medication necessary to help him live his life.  ‘Fampyra-My Story’ consists of 11 individual pieces made out of recycled material. Seamus describes how ‘paint in all its wonderful or dark colours expressed exactly what he was going through’.
 
Margaret Flannery, Arts Director at GUH said, “The patient’s story is an important one; we are delighted to have Seamus share his story with the hospital community.   We hope the exhibition will give other patients some inspiration as they walk through the Arts Corridor.”
 
Seamus Burke graduated with a degree in Fine Art from GMIT Castlebar in June 2015. His degree show ‘Fampyra-My Story’ explored the journey of his diagnosis and living with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.  Seamus has also exhibited in the Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar which raised funds for his local MS branch. In the past he has also been involved in community activities throughout Mayo, some in conjunction with Mayo County Council in the county library and also a very successful Luisne arts project in Ballinrobe which is now in its 10th year.
 
For further information contact Galway University Hospital Arts Trust at 091-544979 or email guh.artstrust@hse.ie
 
Photo Caption:
Cormac, Paraic, Maureen and Seamus Burke with Margaret Flannery, Arts Director GUH; Mags Ryan, Regional Community Worker South Mayo and John MacDonald, Regional Community Worker with the Multiple Sclerosis Society at the launch of ‘Fampyra - My Story’.