A NATIONAL art exhibition is opening in Bromsgrove this event, before going on tour around the UK.

The exhibition features the latest work of award-winning multimedia artist and stroke survivor, Mark Ware, and is going on show at the Life After Stroke Centre in Bromsgrove before moving on to tour the country until November.

Mark worked in film and video production and photography for 15 years before suffering a severe stroke in 1996. He said: “Stroke ended my old life, but gave me a new life where for the first time I understood the meaning and value of art.”

The exhibition, which is titled ‘Reflecting Nature’ focuses on the difference between natural and human made sounds and light, and works will be on sale to raise money for the Stroke Association.

People attending the exhibition will also be able to contribute data to a scientific project, which is being led by psychologists at the University of Staffordshire to look at how people respond to artwork and different environments. Members of the public will be able to use eye-tracking equipment to contribute information.

Speaking about the project, Mark Ware added: “Most of my art since having a severe stroke in 1996 has been touched by my disability and as a result I have become increasingly interested in how my subjective experiences have been altered by my brain injury. The 'Reflecting Nature' collaboration is allowing me to explore subjects that are of profound interest to all artists: why we create art, how we respond to art and how art is intrinsically linked to our interactions with the natural environment.”

Dr Nichola Street from the University of Staffordshire, said: “Psychologists have long known that the environment in which we spend time is important in terms of health and wellbeing, and that nature has particularly beneficial properties. The collaboration with Mark Ware has been an eye-opening experience comparing and contrasting the artist and scientific ways of working and how we see the world. For me the most exciting part of the project lies in understanding the impact that visual stimuli can have with a view to creating psychologically positive environments where mobility or choice of location is low (like hospitals and schools).”

The ‘Reflecting Nature’ exhibition in launching on Wednesday, May 4 at the Life After Stroke Centre, before it moves on around the country.