Borrero, Frankie

Frankie Borrero has followed his passion for drawing since the age of 5. He was able to form pictures while learning to hold a pencil. Born in New York City and raised in Massachusetts well below the poverty level, Frankie and his family were forced to survive in everything from homeless shelters to battered women’s homes.

Like most toddlers his age, his drawings were simple and colorful. However, by the time he was eight years old he was adding much more detail to his artwork. Early on it was discovered that Frankie was 100% color-blind but teachers quickly took notice of his gift. Unfortunately, his talent was used more as an escape than a passion for art. Alongside mom, big brother, and little sister, Frankie grew up with a highly physically abusive step-father. Frankie was often beaten and told by his step-dad to go to his room and not to come out. It was during these moments of solitude that Frankie found refuge in art.

Instead of art school, Frankie pursued a career in dentistry and trainer. On June 10, 2015 Frankie’s life would change forever. While riding his bike home from work he was involved in an accident that caused a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Within hours he lapsed into a coma and was placed on life support. His fiancé and family at the time were told that Frankie’s quality of life would never be the same and that he would most likely be blind in a wheelchair and require a feeding tube with long term residential care. Stunned at this grim prognosis, Frankie’s family had a difficult decision. They decided he should continue to fight on life support no matter how long it took to recover. Within hours of making this decision, Frankie miraculously came out of the coma. Completely dazed and confused, he and his family began the very difficult journey to recovery.

As a result of the accident, Frankie lost his sense of taste, memory retention and coordination and the right side of his brain was damaged. Amazingly, he was told by several neurologists that his steady recovery and enhanced creativity post TBI were nothing short of miraculous. Now two years into his rehabilitation, he continues to struggle with fine motor skills in unusual areas with mixed media. Prior to his life changing accident, Frankie was producing one or two pieces of art per year. Since his Traumatic Brain Injury he has produced over 30 pieces of art including many portraits and mixed media projects. He also does commissioned portraits for clients throughout the United States and Island of Puerto Rico. As a Puerto Rican artist Frankie has recently done projects with heavy Taino, Spanish and African influence. He donated his recent artwork to auction at two fundraisers for Puerto Rico Hurricane Maria Relief. Frankie Borrero remains highly creative and grateful of the second chance he’s been given to produce artwork alongside family and friends.

Exhibited in Good Purpose Gallery June 27, 2018 – September 10, 2018.