ABSTRACT ARTIST CREATES ARTWORK USING HER WHEELCHAIR AS A TOOL

“The Journey of Healing,” a permanent art exhibition on display at the White Plains campus, 785 Mamaroneck Avenue, of Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, features artwork by Westchester resident and abstract artist Aimee Hofmann. 

In 2006, Hofman was diagnosed with a neurological condition called Transverse Myelitis, an inflammation in the spinal cord that caused complete paralysis of her spine. She found peace, comfort and emotional healing while participating in a therapeutic art program during her initial stages of recovery.

Using her wheelchair and paintbrushes to create highly inspiring works of art, Hofman, utilizes wheels from older wheelchairs to mix paint and blend it on canvas. “Riding over the canvas to make wheelchair marks acts as a stamp and provides an aesthetic appeal,” said Hofmann. “My art is an extension of myself. It shows people that wheelchairs give us freedom and movement; they allow us to navigate the world and travel. I want people to see them as tools that can move, change and combine things.”

The paintings are prominently displayed across from Burke”™s Activities of Daily Living gymnasium, where patients can view the work and learn about Hofmann”™s story of courage. 

 “I want the patients at Burke to feel uplifted and energized when they see these paintings. I deliberately chose a vibrant color palette and movement,” said Hofmann. “You can see the wheelchair track marks and the wild gestural marks and swirls.The paintings are dedicated to the patients at Burke, but my journey can inspire not only people with disabilities but everyone who has gone through adversities.”