UCB opens ‘Expressing Epilepsy’ art exhibition featuring acclaimed artists living with epilepsy

Brussels, Belgium, Sept 8, 2026 – 07:00 CET – Today at the European Epilepsy Congress (EEC) 2026 in Athens, Greece, UCB, a global biopharmaceutical company, launched Expressing Epilepsy, a global initiative designed to foster greater understanding of epilepsy through art, storytelling and lived experience. Debuting with an exhibition featuring three artists living with epilepsy, the initiative aims to challenge stigma, spark more open conversations and foster greater understanding of the condition. 

The exhibition features original artworks created by Noëmi Manser, Anastasia Egonyan and Stephanie Gowdy, three artists who draw on their diverse personal experiences of living with epilepsy. Through painting, textiles, photography and mixed media, their work explores the realities of living with the condition and invites audiences to see epilepsy from the perspective of those who experience it.

"Through expressive visual storytelling, my work creates space for complex emotions and lived experiences that can often be difficult to articulate in words." Noëmi Manser, Swiss artist living in France.

"Epilepsy has been part of my life for many years, and its impact reaches far beyond the person living with the condition. Art has become a powerful way for me to reflect on both my own experiences, and the ripple effects epilepsy has had on my family. By sharing these pieces, I hope to offer others a glimpse into those experiences, spark conversation, and help build greater understanding of life with epilepsy."  Stephanie Gowdy, artist living in Florida, US.

"Although epilepsy has never appeared directly in my artwork, it has profoundly shaped my life and influenced the path I have taken. Art has given me a way to reflect on experiences that can be difficult to put into words and share a personal perspective on living with epilepsy. Through my work, I hope to encourage greater understanding of the condition and its impact."  Anastasia Egonyan, Ukrainian Armenian artist living in the UK.

Epilepsy affects around 50 million people worldwide and is one of the most common neurological conditions globally.¹ Living with epilepsy can involve complex physical, emotional, social and psychological experiences, with many people also facing misunderstanding and stigma. Through creative expression, Expressing Epilepsy aims to make visible the often-hidden or unexpected realities of living with epilepsy, capturing the complex emotions and experiences that are not always seen or easily expressed through words alone. 

Danya Kaye, Patient Engagement & Advocacy Lead at UCB said:

    

"I believe understanding epilepsy begins by listening to the people who live with it every day. Too often, people living with epilepsy feel unseen or misunderstood, and the realities of life with the condition can be difficult to express. Expressing Epilepsy creates a space for those experiences to be shared through art, helping people connect on a human level, challenge stigma, and foster greater understanding of what it means to live with epilepsy."

Alongside the physical exhibition, an interactive virtual exhibition is also available to view here, enabling audiences around the world to explore the artworks and the stories behind them.

The Expressing Epilepsy exhibition is open in the Alexandra Trianti Foyer from Sunday, 6 September to Monday, 7 September 2026 during the European Epilepsy Congress.

For further information, contact UCB: 

Global Communications

Anna Clark

T: +44.73.8.668.67.79

Anna.clark@ucb.com

About the artists

Noëmi Manser is a Swiss visual artist whose practice explores transformation, psychology and healing through immersive visual storytelling. Her work explores the relationship between creativity, emotion and personal experience.

Anastasia Egonyan is a Ukrainian-Armenian artist based in London whose multidisciplinary practice spans textiles, photography and mixed media, exploring themes of identity, memory and resilience.

Stephanie Gowdy is a visually impaired artist from Palm Beach, Florida, whose work combines visual art and advocacy. Drawing on her own experience of epilepsy, she transforms personal experiences into stories of resilience, identity and connection.

About UCB

UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With approximately 9,000 people in approximately 40 countries, the company generated revenue of € 6.15 billion in 2024. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB).

Reference

1. World Health Organization (WHO). Epilepsy. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy. Last accessed: July 2026.