Library’s looking brighter thanks to Alexander

The City of Karratha Library foyer is looking much more colourful these days, and it’s all thanks to local artist Alexander Gathmann Brandt.

The library is the site of the first exhibition by the Dampier 24-year-old, who has autism and limited speech capabilities but has not let that stop him from pursuing his passion.

His exhibition has come about from a combination of a recent grant from not-for-profit disability in the arts group DADAA, and the guidance of his mentor Jan Malkin.

Mrs Malkin, who is also an artist, said she was constantly impressed by Brandt’s artistic range because he has experimented with almost every type of media available. “It amazes me, what he can do, ” she said.

Brandt’s mother and carer Maria Ines Long said her son’s art was an avenue for him to live more independently as well as a way to express himself.

“This exhibition is the first step, ” she said.

“The idea for me is for Alex to keep going as an artist so he can create and sell and live, and have a career as an artist.”

Several of Brandt’s works are for sale.

The artworks are on show until December 16.

For more information visit facebook.com/groups/friendsofalexgathmann/.