Art with heart on display at Netcare Alberlito

Every one-in-50 000 people are estimated to be affected by an immune deficiency disease – a disease which leaves the host’s body highly susceptible to infection from bacteria and other viruses often resulting in recurring infections.

The disease, common variable immune deficiency, may not be as untreatable as it was 30 years ago, however 19-year-old Annabelle Armstrong still relies heavily on the treatment she receives at Alberlito Hospital every six weeks to avoid contracting infections. Currently, there is no cure.

In 2018 while in matric and eight years into fighting her disease, Annabelle decided to highlight the tremendous personal difficulties which she has had to and continues to endure, through art.

The title of her art, as well as the piece itself was inspired by the difficulties she has had to endure behind the scenes of her everyday life.

“I have drawn seven versions of my hands, all slightly different, in charcoal, to represent the seven years I have been receiving infusions,” said Annabelle.

“By doing them all in black and white, and arranging them in a horizontal line I hoped to create a sense of rhythm and repetition which highlights the routine and monotony of my monthly hospital visits.

“I used a sheet taken straight from my hospital bed, which adds a more personal aspect, to create the backdrop and background of my composition.”

According to Annabelle, the repetition of the Netcare logo creates rhythm and, highlights monotony – to add effect, the real needles, plasters and drip-lines used during her treatment were placed onto the piece to give the viewer a more tangible representation of her recurring hospital visits as well as to showcase the young age – through the use of her original pediatric plasters – at which treatment started.

Each hand drawn represents another year gone.

“Underneath my artwork I have an installation of Octagam bottles which I have carefully arranged,” Annabelle said.

Every time she visits the hospital, five of these bottles’ contents are infused into her bloodstream, a process which takes about eight hours – a routine Annabelle says leads nowhere, hence the title ‘Raise your hand if you are sick of being sick’.

Unfortunately, due to having to finalise her exams in 2018, Annabelle was unable to attend the awards ceremony of the 2018 International Festival of Paintings for Pediatric Patients (IFPPP) – a competition she had entered to highlight her struggles. This was a heart-breaking moment as she had actually won the competition which had been entered by some 1 400 people from around the globe.

Annabelle entered the competition through an organisation called HEART and, although she wasn’t able to attend the 2018 awards ceremony in Italy, the founder of the organisation recently reached out to her and arrangements have now been made for her to attend the fifth IFPPP awards ceremony in Budapest, in November where she will receive her award and trophy.

“Annabelle previously has been the only South African to enter this amazing international competition and would like to encourage other pediatric patients, under the age of 18 years, to enter their lovely art work and stand a chance of being awarded this wonderful opportunity,” said Annabelle’s mother, Gaynor.

Netcare Alberlito will now be hosting an art exhibition on Friday, October 18 at 9am where 44 artworks will be showcased from various age groups, all pediatric patients who have entered this year’s IFPPP. Also on display at the exhibition, will be Annabelle’s original artwork.

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