Athena spent spring and summer of 2024 in hospital, unable to sit up or engage in the most basic daily care activities—and, of course, unable to paint. The loss of her accustomed independence was even more excruciatingly painful than the broken bone itself. Her husband visited her in hospital almost every evening and, alongside the nursing staff, took part in her most intimate physical caregiving activities. He also buoyed her spirits when they were at to their lowest and, through Athena’s lengthy ongoing recovery, there continues many shared moments of love and laughter mixed in with the tears.

This too is part of the extraordinary, ordinary nature of interabled love and, for that reason, Athena chose to incorporate the spirit of these events into the exhibit itself. Amid all the painstakingly detailed finished paintings, viewers will found reference photos for intended paintings, digital mockups and partially completed work. These represented the highly disruptive and unpredictable nature of disability that can bring everyday life to a standstill and throw the best laid plans into complete disarray. And yet, the chaotic and unwelcome threads of disability become interwoven with all the beautiful, ordinary moments that make up a story of love and disability as well.

Despite these challenges, the exhibit was an unequivocal success. It highlighted Athena’s beautiful artwork and the everyday moments of couples like herself and her husband.