films/ documentaries/ texts
Bilpin Residency Film
Whilst staying at the BigCi residency in October of 2023, Luke created a film which aimed to both document the artist’s time at the residency, and also give his audience insight into his experience of the environment.
By Luke Abdallah, made in response to his BigCi residency 2023
Made in collaboration with:
Filming by Stephen Abdallah
Score by Crystal Leigh Adams & Rowan Yeomans
Editing by Harrison Evans
A huge thankyou to BigCi for hosting Luke Abdallah & his team.
Focus on Ability Short Film Festival, hosted by NOVA Employment.
Luke’s long time friend and facilitator Zachariah Fenn has submitted On The Road, a short documentary which ‘transports the audience on an intimate journey with Artist Matthew Elliott, who completed his Accessible Arts Bundanon Artist Residency in September 2022’ and throughout which the film is set. ‘Matt’s purpose was to create ‘plein-air’ paintings directly inspired by the Shoalhaven River’ and ‘to prove to himself and others that his disability doesn’t have to stop what he wants to do in life.’ During the residency, ‘Matt received news about the passing of a dear friend, artistic mentor and long-term carer - Greg Warburton (1952-2022 - Studio ARTES Principal Artist). This film, in dedication to Greg, sensitively captures moments and emotions of grief, loss, inspiration, anticipation, achievement, joy and elation - feelings we all share on the road of life.’
Luke, who was also present undertaking his own residency at this time, and who is the Producer of this short documentary, would love to encourage you to watch On The Road in NOVA Employment’s International Focus on Ability Short Film Festival.
Award-winning blind artist receives exceptional care from Afea - Afea Care Services
‘Award-winning artist Luke Abdallah was born totally blind. As Luke has complex needs, his journey to receiving adequate and qualified care has been long – and bumpy. After an “abysmal” experience with other service providers with carers who were not well-trained, Jill and Luke found Afea. “Everything just swung into action really quickly,” Jill shares. They also love Afea’s multicultural team, with our diverse backgrounds and many accents (“you have music in your voice”). With ongoing support, Luke is able to focus on his art. His unique art practice includes using his walking cane as a paintbrush, which he demonstrates for us in this interview!’ (Afea Care Services)
A link to the corresponding Afea Care Services article can be found here:
And for more information about Afea Care Services and the amazing work they do, check out their website:
Art Somewhere - Live Cane Painting
Through a collaboration between PlateitForward and 107 Green Square, in May 2022, ARTiculate hosted an edition of Art Somewhere during which Luke Abadllah was invited to give a live demonstration of his signature cane painting technique.
This demonstration was documented by, and has been provided courtesy of Studio ARTES.
Inside Their Studio: Artists with Disabilities and Their Collaborators
Abdallah is featured in the 1st edition of Inside Their Studio. A work which provides insight into the practice and creative spaces of 30 artists living with disabilities, located in 10 different countries.
For more information and/or to purchase the book, please visit the sale page through IKOUII:
A Guide Through Abstraction - Short Film by Zac Fenn
Submitted to the Focus On Ability Film Festival in 2019, this short film introduces the viewer to Luke’s practice, as well as to Luke’s first solo show, A Guide Through Abstraction.
This film was developed and authored by artist & facilitator Zac Fenn, filmed by Disruptive Media Productions, and music provided by Musical Between - Inclusive Music Centre.