Perth artist Andrew Grero confronts Parkinson's 'monster' in new exhibition

Perth artist Andrew Grero's vibrant murals have long been a fixture on the city's walls, but his latest project is a personal and poignant one. Grero's first solo exhibition, titled Signal Lost, explores the challenges of living with young-onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD).

A 'monster' in his life

Grero, 40, was diagnosed with the progressive brain disorder at the age of 36. He describes the disease as a 'monster' that has turned his life upside down. His artworks tackle his relationship with Parkinson's, using bright colours and everyday objects to convey the difficulties he faces.

"Four years ago, I was just a regular dude who didn't have many problems," he said.

Grero's exhibition aims to raise awareness and understanding of YOPD, which affects over 1,100 Australians under 65 each year. He hopes his art will help others see the world through his eyes and gain a deeper understanding of what it's like to live with the disease.

A struggle to connect

Grero's works depict the impact of Parkinson's on his daily life, from struggling to brush his teeth to caring for his two-year-old son. One of the exhibition's most striking artworks, Monster, shows how he feels when he's off his medication and in his 'off period'.

"When I'm off my medication and I'm in my off period, I might be hunched over, or having to crawl somewhere or just lie on the floor," he explained.

Grero's son sometimes gets scared when he sees his father in these moments, but Grero is determined to explain his condition to him as he grows older.

"He doesn't understand that and so sometimes he gets a bit scared. You can just tell, you just look in his eyes."

Finding strength in art

Grero's exhibition also features a painting of him punching the 'monster' that is Parkinson's, surrounded by illustrations of his friends and family. He says the exhibition has already resonated with others living with the disease, and he's keen to continue creating art that inspires and educates.

"I've got a big drive to continue to creating as much as possible now," he said. "Life's fragile and you never know what's going to happen so I'm just going hard at it and trying to inspire others as well with my art."

As his symptoms worsen, Grero is focusing on more studio work and less taxing artworks, but he's eager to get back into painting murals and hopes the exhibition will travel to more places and involve other artists with Parkinson's.