Returning: Artscape: Anatomy

Multi-award winning series Anatomy returns for its fourth series with three stories, Brain, Stomach and Soul all thematically linked.

Each week a new filmmaker tells the story of a different artist.

The first documentary Brain by Polly Staniford, features Jamie Daddo, who was injured in a car accident at the age of 18 and left severely brain damaged. But he went on to become an artist and poet.

This is really the first time both have properly talked about the impact of the accident on their individual creative journey’s as well as their relationship.

“Do I regret the accident? Of course I do. But in my case I learnt a few things; I learnt how to paint, properly. And I learnt how to love.” Jamie Daddo

BRAIN is an intimate and moving documentary that follows the inspiring story of artist and poet, Jamie Daddo and his relationship with his identical twin brother, TV presenter Andrew Daddo.

At 18, Jamie was hit by a car and left severely brain damaged. Unable to walk and struggling to communicate, he started painting and writing poetry to help express his thoughts and experiences to those around him.

Despite the enormous physical and mental changes in Jamie, he and Andrew remain best friends. Over three days the brothers spend time in Jamie’s studio, joking around and talking about their lives, both past and present as Jamie paints Andrew for the Moran Portrait Prize.

Playful, critical, argumentative and yet very much “connected” they still refer to each other by their childhood nicknames, Jub (Jamie) and Anoo (Andrew). It’s remarkable to watch, at times it’s as though they speak their own language and they often finish each other’s sentences. They share stories about growing up and speak to each other for the first time about how the accident impacted their lives.

As they delve into deeper, darker terrain, emotional and painful memories resurface. Jamie shares beautiful heart-felt poems about his twin connection with Andrew. He doesn’t wallow in the regrets of the past but rather embraces life and makes the most of every day.

This is the story of a remarkable man, someone who has overcome a near death tragedy to forge an incredible career and a life filled with love, joy, laughter and hope.

It is also a story of the special relationship that can exist between twins.

ANATOMY is produced by Matchbox Pictures in association with ABC TV and Film Victoria. Executive Producer: Tony Ayres; Producers: Julie Eckersley & Michael McMahon. 

ABC1 10pm Tuesday March 12.