IMAGINE not being able to talk, understand what other people are saying or being unable to read or write. This is the reality for Ilkley based artist Mark Chappell, and thousands like him, who suffer from Aphasia.

Aphasia is a communication disability caused by a stroke or brain injury, some people cannot talk at all, while others have difficulty writing, reading, using numbers or processing words. Although Aphasia has been in the news recently, with some famous names, including Bruce Willis, going public with diagnosis, it is still a little known and much misunderstood condition. Mark’s new exhibition at Kala Sangam aims to change this.

Mark has lived with Aphasia following a stroke in 2012 and has been using art to help people understand more about what it is and how it impacts his daily life. Mark’s artworks, including several pieces that use augmented reality technology to come to life, will be on display at Kala Sangam, Bradford’s Intercultural Arts Centre, for the next few months. His work also includes portraits of prominent Bradfordians to celebrate Bradford being named UK City of Culture 2025.

Mark said: “With my communication difficulties, art is a great way for me to express myself. I was born in Bradford and I am really excited about the opportunities City of Culture will bring to the city”

Alex Corwin, Marketing and Programme Manager at Kala Sangam, said: “We are really looking forward to Mark’s exhibition and helping more people to understand what Aphasia is and how it can impact your life. Mark has got a brilliant sense of humour that really comes through in his work, particularly with his use of augmented reality to animate his pictures.”

The Say Aphasia exhibition is at Kala Sangam, St Peter’s House, Forster Square, BD 1 4TY from Monday, February 6 to Sunday, April 30, 2023.

It is free to view during Kala Sangam’s regular opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm and Saturday 9am – 3pm.

You can find more information including help and support, about Aphasia at www.sayaphasia.org