World Championships participants showcase their artwork: The PingPongParkinson World Championships feature 30 works of art by people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, many of whom are exhibiting their work for the very first time.
Tönnies Meyerhoff-Rösener has been painting since he was nine years old. That was back in 1969, when the Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg’s renowned art museum, was offering painting classes – courses that, incidentally, are still held today. At the time, the classes were taught by unemployed teachers.
As part of the PingPongParkinson World Championships, an art exhibition is showcasing works created exclusively by people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Following an open call for submissions, around 70 entries were received, and an expert jury ultimately selected 30 works of art. Three-quarters of the participating artists are exhibiting their work for the first time and are understandably proud of the opportunity. The exhibition was initiated by Alexine Good, Marcus Heithecker and Almut Knebel, all of whom are active PingPongParkinson players.
Meyerhoff-Rösener’s painting is among the selected works. Carefully packed, it was shipped to Hanover for the exhibition. Like many of the other paintings and objects on display, it is also available for purchase.
Following his Parkinson’s diagnosis, painting helped the former Protestant pastor come to terms with the condition. “When mobility and even mental processes temporarily freeze during episodes of freezing, engaging in artistic activities can help alleviate the symptoms,” explains Meyerhoff-Rösener, who was born in Hamburg.
Both table tennis and art can have a positive impact. When people become immersed in an activity and enter a state of flow, they are completely in the present moment, allowing their worries to fade into the background.
In addition to the exhibition, a series of art workshops was also offered. Participants gathered around a long table to explore their creativity and experiment with different techniques, drawing inspiration from the people working alongside them.
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Text: Frank Lutz / Jürgen Zender
Photo captions
Photo 1: An art exhibition is also part of the varied supporting programme at the PingPongParkinson World Championships. ©Pixel Media
Photo 2: Tönnies Meyerhoff-Rösener standing beside his painting at the PingPongParkinson World Championships art exhibition in Hanover. ©Frank Lutz
Photo 3: A creative experience with Berlin-based artist Alexine Good. ©Pixel Media
Photo 4: Thirty works were on display in the art exhibition. ©Pixel Media