Paul Brain, a visionary contemporary artist, has reshaped the contours of contemporary disability art. Born in Hong Kong and now based in Calgary, Canada, Paul's journey through art transcends geographical boundaries and personal challenges. His award-winning work is a testament to over twelve years of dedicated practice across diverse cultural landscapes, including Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and Canada.
In 2021, Paul encountered a profound transformation. An 8.8-hour brain-reconstructing surgery due to stroke and epilepsy opened a sacred entrance to a deeper understanding of art and life. This experience, akin to enlightenment, fuels his artistic expression, blending vulnerability with vibrant creativity.
Paul's approach to art is a celebration of life's complexities, a deep-dive exploration into the realms of disability art, infused with love and happiness. His work is not just a visual feast; it's a journey into the heart of resilience and the power of the human spirit. Each piece by Paul Brain is an invitation to view the world through a lens of compassion, innovation, and boundless imagination.
This is Paul Brain.
In January of 2021, Paul had suffered intracerebral hemorrhage caused by arteriovenous malformation and depression. Overnight at the age of 33, epilepsy and alexia became Paul’s new normal, as though he had crossed from one dimension to another. 6 years, 5 international start-up companies, Paul had his achievements through different continents: fashion production, advertisement and to the world of technology. It all seemed unreal, speaking was difficult, reading & writing was almost impossible.
Alone in the dream of the hospital bed, and the reality of his stroke, an unilateral right prosopometamorphopsia eye, art was a repossession of his true self. “Paul, it is time to start your artistic practice.” Wise words by his representing Art dealer, Enoch Ho, Founder of “One-Offs International Art Fair in Taipei, like a whisper by an angel.
“During my awakening in between consciousness and subconsciousness, life and death, true enlightenment was led by the tunnel of light/Tao/God. Creating is my way to express my gratitude for rebirth and enlightenment. Two years battling depression, for the first time in my life, I found love for myself. I create for freedom and happiness. Exploring the unknown that is hidden in human brains, healing humans through the exploration between creation, love and happiness is the statement of my art” - Paul Brain
As an undergrad psychology practitioner, brain plasticity has always been one of Paul’s many fascinations. The farthest distance in between art, science, and theology, is no more than the closest distance found in the universe.
“Paul Brain is the dialogue between science, medicinal exploration, and the finest art. Brain Pieces Series reflects the reconstruction of my brain. Connection was severed, pieces of the brain were detached. This is how my brain reboots and what pieces I choose to rebuild with. That is how I connect my most present reality with another human’s reality.” - Paul Brain