The Unravelling

Charlotte Ryall

Year 12

School: Perth Modern School

Medium: Oil on canvas

Artist statement: My father’s family has a history of dementia. As a child, his mum had to care for her own mother as she progressively suffered with Alzheimer’s. As a consequence of seeing the realities of dementia first hand, and having to care for a family member through this, she was deeply afraid the same fate would befall her. I remember as a child she would become agitated and self-deprecating every time she forgot something small. Three years ago, she was diagnosed with dementia. After my grandad passed away her mental state quickly worsened. She now doesn’t remember any of her grandchildren or her sons. Though she is increasingly forgetful, in her moments of lucidity she is still insightful and witty, the woman I remember from my childhood.