BIOGRAPHY

Kevin Whitaker Profile

Diagnosed in 2016 with Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia, Whitaker notes: "These diseases have given me a layered perspective on how my brain and body work both together and against each other. I hope my paintings capture this tension.”

A documentary about Whitaker’s life since the diagnosis ​“Chasing Monsters:​ ​Parkinson’s and the Power of Art” ​was produced by Back Lane Studios and selected as a finalist in the 10th edition of the Oaxaca Film Festival. The film was featured at the Los Angeles Awareness Festival, and the Yorkton Festival (Saskatchwan).

Kevin draws inspiration from George Orwell and Vincent Van Gogh. Pandemonium is Whitaker’s 6th solo painting show since April 2018 and is preceded by Chasing Monsters,  Bella Ciao , and Faith (all shown at Back Lane Studios, Toronto), The Last Supper (Gillygooley, Quebec) and Surveillance (Atelier Maison, Richelieu, France).   

Prior to taking up painting full-time in 2018 Whitaker held various public service roles including Superior Court Judge, Chair of the Ontario Labour Relations Board, Special Advisor to the Ontario government on Colleges and Trades, Collective Bargaining in the College sector, reform of the Employment Standards Act and reform of the Agency and Tribunal sector. He was also a managing partner of a law firm and a Labour Arbitrator and Mediator.

NOVEMBER 2020