Alison Lapper Opens Up About Grief and Art in New Documentary
In a poignant revelation, artist Alison Lapper shares the heart-wrenching struggle of losing her son, Parys, and how it profoundly impacts her work in a new documentary. Known for her remarkable resilience and artistry, Lapper’s story is both a tribute to her late son and a reflection on her own journey through loss and disability.
Alison Lapper first made waves in 2000 when she posed for Marc Quinn's striking nude sculpture, a piece that stirred considerable controversy due to her disability. Born without arms and with shortened legs, Lapper was pregnant at the time, and the sculpture, unveiled five years later in Trafalgar Square, faced harsh criticism. Despite the backlash, Lapper embraced the sculpture as a historical marker of her life, though she acknowledges the profound emotional weight it carries, particularly now that her son, Parys, is no longer alive.
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The documentary "In My Own Words: Alison Lapper" delves deeply into Lapper's life, showcasing her emotional and artistic response to the death of her son, who passed away at 19 from a drug overdose. Lapper reflects on her struggles, including the challenges of managing her grief while continuing her work as an artist. Her new exhibition, "Lost in Parys," is a powerful collection that confronts her pain and showcases her son's image in haunting, evocative pieces.
Lapper's emotional journey includes a period where she couldn't bring herself to paint following Parys's death. She describes a profound breakdown and a struggle with her mental health, but once she picked up a paintbrush again, her grief poured out onto the canvas. Her art now vividly depicts Parys, reflecting both his beauty and her immense sorrow. Works like "Bleeding Out" and "Nothing Left To Give – Parys Looking Down" illustrate her intense emotional landscape, merging personal loss with her artistic expression.
The documentary also revisits Lapper's difficult relationship with her own mother and her upbringing. Born in 1965 as a so-called "love child," Lapper was expected to die young due to her disabilities. Her mother’s initial rejection and subsequent neglect cast a long shadow over Lapper’s early years, contributing to her drive to prove herself and gain acceptance in a world that often underestimates disabled individuals.
Despite the emotional scars, Lapper's determination shines through. Her resilience is highlighted by her journey from a child with complex disabilities to an acclaimed artist who has made significant strides in overcoming societal prejudices. She proudly continues the legacy of mouth painting, a practice she shares with historical figures like Sarah Biffin, and maintains a sense of humor and warmth despite her hardships.
Lapper's story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, showing how one can transform personal tragedy into profound artistic expression. Her exhibition, which runs until September 29 at Worthing Museum and Art Gallery, serves as a poignant reminder of her son's memory and her unyielding commitment to her craft. "In My Own Words: Alison Lapper" airs tonight at 10:40 PM on BBC One, offering viewers a chance to understand and connect with Lapper’s deeply moving narrative.
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