Kurt Caumette has been an artist for a long time, but he has also been persevering through Huntington’s disease, a progressive brain condition impacting a person’s physical movement and mental health.
The artwork has a backdrop made of an acrylic paint collage with a centred sketch of two people that he described as being "intensely in love".
The adversity that Caumette faces due to his condition drove him to create a unique piece which reflects the importance of friendship, love and diversity.
"I was going through a rough period."
Caumette said before creating this piece, he faced several people trying to "take advantage" of those with a disability.
Although he encountered people who did not treat him with kindness, he also had a lot of support through Community Link, which inspired him to create artwork that could have a tangible impact on the community.
He is auctioning off the piece to raise funds for Community Link and the Huntington Disease Association New Zealand.
Caumette said he had received "unflagged support" from Community Link including their recent advocacy to help him win a tenancy tribunal case.
He was hoping the framed piece would be sold for about $50,000 and has pledged that 40% of that would be donated to the Huntington’s Association and the rest to Community Link.
Offers will be taken through Community Link and Caumette encouraged people to call in and make offers.
