Acclaimed Western Australian artist and former Fiona Stanley Hospital cardiac patient Nic Compton has expressed his confronting experience of open-heart surgery and his path to recovery in a series of self-portraits and sculptures on exhibition at the Early Works Gallery in South Fremantle, July 17 – 27, 2025.
Nic has captured his patient journey through surgery and rehabilitation including what he described as, “the surreal thought that someone has been inside the cavity of your chest.”
Nic Compton
The works include a free-standing Jarrah sculpture that features a self-portrait, the spiders that appeared in his hallucinations as he came out of his anaesthetic post-surgery, an open rib cage and elements of the heart.
Following his life-saving surgery, Nic had to change the art medium he had been working with as he was not able to lift the tools that he used to create the large wooden sculptures for which he is renowned.
“I started drawing the power tools that I could not use to sculpt. In my recovery I was unable to lift anything more than 5 kgs for around 8 months,” Nic said.
A series of self-portraits evolved as Nic became interested in the various aspects of self and humanity following his open-heart surgery. He addressed the anxiety and depression he experienced, and the immobility of recovery having led a busy and physically demanding life.
Nic thanked the incredible staff at Fiona Stanley Hospital who were “fantastic and amazing” and credits them with his life.
“I am incredibly grateful for medical science for a new valve, for pain control and the expertise of all the medical staff that has given me this second chance.
“While this type of surgery is common in contemporary Australia, the operation can change you both physically and emotionally.
“The beautiful thing about it as I’m able to keep living and keep working.”
Nic said he was back to sculpting in his shed in York, preparing for his solo exhibition in Fremantle and building a little house.
Exhibition details: Nic Compton, INTERVENTION 17 – 27 July, Earlywork Gallery, 330 South Tce, South Fremantle
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