A few months ago at the start of lockdown, I watched a documentary on the artist Hank Virgona. I was instantly transfixed and touched by his humble nature. I knew that from now on when I faced those challenging times, asking questions such as ‘how can I carry on with art’ I would be able to remember him and keep persevering, because art is life and life is art and without one there is no other.
Hank Virgona, artist (born October 24, 1929, died on May 23, 2019)
Above is the portrait in oil of inspirational artist and person Hank Virgona, who never stopped making art, no matter what, until he passed away in 2019 at the age of 89. Throughout his life he maintained a positive and inquisitive outlook on life, with eyes that seemed to sparkle with an ageless excitement and sense of curiosity. Art was his religion.
There are 10 limited edition prints of this painting currently available for £25 each on The Other MA website to raise money for local artists during COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to have a look.
You can watch the documentary "Nothing Changes: Art for Hank's Sake" for free on Amazon Prime, I had one of those 30 day free trials at the time. https://amzn.to/2EU83d0
Could you pursue your passion no matter what? Hank Virgona has, and at 87 years old continues to trek to Union Square six days a week despite poor health, cancer, obscurity, and a dwindling bank account to seek the true meaning of art.
Winner of Best Documentary at the 2018 Queens World Film Festival, The Art & Inspiration Award from the 2018 Hamptons Doc Fest, and official selection in 14 film festivals to date.
For updates on how you can see "Nothing Changes" follow us on social media at: Twitter.com/BurningHammerNY
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VIEW HANK VIRGONA’S WORK ONLINE:
https://www.instagram.com/hankvirgona