Jamisontown resident Abdul Kader El Youghon says art will always be at the core of his being, despite a near fatal car accident stripping him of his phenomenal abilities earlier this year.
Famous for his beautiful and sometimes vulgar modern art paintings, Mr Youghon’s home is flooded with his extraordinary works. Some in the past have auctioned for $100,000.
But after a serious car accident in June this year which left him in a coma for 11 days, followed by a devastating stroke, Mr Youghon’s ability to paint has been compromised with the injuries he has suffered from both incidents.
He said this has been an extremely painful experience, emotionally.
“It has been very difficult, I am going blind and I can’t paint anymore because of the accident and stroke,” he said.
Born in Syria, Mr Youghon came to Australia from Rome in 1982.
He began painting at age 12 but went on to master his craft studying in Italy and has now been painting for 55 years.
In 1990, he was named Artist of the Year by the Victorian Artists Society.
His work, inspired by his love for Australia, features many well known icons such as the Irwin family, Harbour Bridge and even the Penrith Panthers.
One of his most prized works is of former Prime Minister John Howard, who he is a big fan of and has reached out to to sign it before it is one day auctioned.
The piece is valued at $50,000.
“I love Australia and I love John Howard and that love inspires my paintings,” he said.
Aside from the thousands of paintings in storage and at his home, Mr Youghon has works on display at his own gallery inside Kosnars Picture Framing Shop in Victoria.
Over the years his works have been exhibited all over the world, particularly in Roman and Australian galleries, hotels and special exhibitions.
Mr Youghon said instead of dwelling on the unfortunate events this year has thrown at him, he instead wants to celebrate his career. He will be holding a special ‘Back to Life’ viewing of his pieces from November 14-21.
“Love is art, the more love you have the more art you have,” he said.
The gallery will be open for public viewing from 12pm to 8pm at 26 Warragamba Crescent, Jamisontown.
Nicola Barton
A graduate of Western Sydney University, Nicola Barton is a news journalist with the Western Weekender, primarily covering crime and politics.