This mixed media artwork was made as a tribute to the late American singer-songwriter Glen Campbell, who topped the US charts and brought country music into the mainstream during the 60’s and 70’s. Campbell is depicted in inks and water-based brush pens holding his guitar that has actual recycled steel guitar strings spiraling into the negative space in front of him. Lyrics from his last recorded song, “I’m Not Gonna Miss You” are incoherent entanglements wedged between neuron-resembling shapes, as an abstract manifestation of Campbell’s internal struggle with Alzheimer’s. Campbell’s perfect pitch and virtuosic ability to play guitar remained in spite of his deteriorating memory for his song lyrics, signified by the bursts of music notes from the guitar strings. In this particular song, Campbell poignantly conveys the bittersweet affliction of Alzheimer’s. Those affected will become blissfully unaware of their disease as it progresses, while their loved ones will be left heartbroken:

I’m still here, but yet I’m gone
I don’t play guitar or sing my songs
They never defined who I am
The man that loves you ’til the end
You’re the last person I will love
You’re the last face I will recall
And best of all, I’m not gonna miss you
Not gonna miss you

I’m never gonna hold you like I did
Or say I love you to the kids
You’re never gonna see it in my eyes
It’s not gonna hurt me when you cry
I’m never gonna know what you go through
All the things I say or do
All the hurt and all the pain
One thing selfishly remains
I’m not gonna miss you
I’m not gonna miss you

References:

Today.com- Glen Campbell’s doctor: Music star was ‘striking example’ of Alzheimer’s quirks

Glenn Campbell: I’ll Be Me (2014 Documentary)

Psychology Today- How Can Grandma Play Piano When She Can’t Recall My Name?

The Guardian- Words fail us: dementia and the arts