Description

At age eight, George Graham's hearing was damaged when he was hit by an object thrown at him by another child. Although his partial hearing would impact his life in many ways, including his social confidence, it seems to have been a catalyst that would draw him into the world of art and play a significant role in his later works.

After leaving Leeds School of Art and studying in London, Graham talent would be quickly recognised and exhibited at the Royal Academy of Art in 1908. As Graham's hearing deteriorated, his painting style changed radically from landscapes of East Sussex and Yorkshire to visualising the sky. Instead of drawing him away from life, his deafness set him "free to give vent to the urges which drove him day and night, with almost fantastical enthusiasm, to seek an outlet to these creation paintings".

These creation paintings capture Graham's belief and love for classical music, which he connected to through the quick active rhythm and slow stillness of his brushstrokes.

- Jack Guy, Curating for Change Fellow, Hastings Museum and Art Gallery