A learning-disabled artist from Belfast is set to publish his autobiography this month during the Bounce Arts Festival.
Lary MacAree lives in the L’Arche Community on the Ormeau Road, and grew up in Whiteabbey before his family moved to South Belfast in 1978 during the turmoil of the Troubles.
Larry’s childhood plays a huge part in his art as it details both the everyday parts of his life as well as traumatic events such as the day a gun shot came through the window of his home, smashing a statue of the Virgin Mary.
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'My Life with Them' is the story of Larry’s life and his relationships with the people who are important to him. His book is filled with rich anecdotes from the late 1960s onward through the eyes of a curious and imaginative individual.
The book is illustrated with a selection of his own drawings as well as remarkable analogue photographs collected by Larry through the years.
Larry is delighted that the 60-page paperback edition has been published and added: "It was good fun. I always wanted to write my life story."
With the support of the University of Atypical’s Chris Ledger Legacy Award funded by Unlimited and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Larry’s dream came true.
Damien Coyle, Chief Executive of the University of Atypical said: “Larry was a worthy winner of a Chris Ledger award in 2021. He was the first learning disabled artist to receive a major award from us.
"As I’ve got to know Larry, I’ve come to realise just how unique, engaging, creative and inspiring an individual he really is. Larry is a magnificent example of how the arts can have a fundamental and positive impact on the quality our lives and on our personal ambitions.”
Larry’s niece Susan Hughes, an artist in her own right, explained that Larry was able to record his thoughts and memories and these were then transcribed. Susan then edited the non-linear autobiography into an order with rhythm.
Susan said: "Every human has a rich life worth hearing about, though very few have the support or confidence to ever publish their life story. Larry is certainly not lacking in confidence, but the support of the Chris Ledger award has made it possible to design, publish and launch his life story and fulfil his dream."
Larry began taking art classes 15 years ago and has continued to develop and grow as an artist. His art combines his passion for history with his love of family and friends. His work is currently on show in the University of Atypical Gallery on Royal Avenue.
The exhibition, Still Livin’, is an interactive, immersive and rich visualisation of his world through art, video recording and objects that Larry collects including photos, Lego, collages and Action Men.
An essay that accompanies the exhibition was commissioned by the writer Ingrid Lyons in which she writes of her observations and feelings when encountering Larry’s work, of his unique voice as a storyteller and his amazing eye for detail.
'My Life with Them' will be launched on Sunday, October 9 th at the University of Atypical Gallery as part of the Bounce Festival and the book will be on sale in the gallery or by sending a request by email to susanhughesartist@gmail.com
Bounce, which is run by the University of Atypical and supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Department for Communities and Belfast City Council, has grown into one of the top disability arts festivals in Europe.
For more information on all the live shows, workshops, and online content and to book tickets, go to www.universityofatypical.org/bounce
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