Ian Farrant Preview, 29 August-13 September 2012, UKDPC House, 107-109 The Grove, Stratford E15 1HP.
Ian Farrant‘s solo exhibition for Disability History Month is previewed during the Paralympics, featuring portraits of Andy Barrow (Wheelchair Rugby), Ian Day (Wheelchair Fencing), Roxan Luckock (Weightlifting 48kg), Nigel Murray (Boccia), Liam O’Reilly (Wheelchair Tennis) and Justin Phillips (Seated Volleyball). Ian says: “This series of portraits reflects the effort, dedication and passion that these competitors need to have, particularly as disabled athletes. They show us that anything is possible with the right mental attitude, application and effort. Through the use of a black background and dramatic lighting I have been able to isolate the athletes, totally focusing the viewers’ attention on the subjects. There is always intense pressure on athletes, and many of the sports are incredibly tough. I myself have played wheelchair rugby in the past, and recognise how dedicated these athletes must be in order to succeed. They train for years so that they can compete as part of the Paralympic team, and for this particular Team GB the 2012 Paralympics is particularly special as it is on home soil.” Click here to view more of the images.
Together! with Eastside Community Heritage, 3-13 September 2012, People’s Museum and Gallery of Newham, 306 High Street, Stratford E15 1AJ. This open-access exhibition of work by 20 locally based disabled artists has been curated especially for Together! and will be touring elsewhere in Newham afterwards. Private View 8 September: 6.30-8.30pm. Click here to view the catalogue.
View from the Chairs, 29 August – 13 September 2012., UKDPC House, 107-109 The Grove, Stratford E15 1HP. On 11 May 2011, the biggest demonstration ever to be organised by disabled people took place in Westminster. More than 10,000 disabled people, our families, friends, carers and PAs marched on Westminster to protest against the cuts to disabled people’s benefits and services. The demonstration took place as part of The Hardest Hit campaign, organised jointly by the UK Disabled People’s Council (UKDPC) and the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC). Julie Newman, the Acting Chair of UKDPC, chaired the rally on the Embankment that launched the day of action. Ju Gosling aka ju90, the Chair of Regard and Director of the Together! 2012 festival, was one of the chief stewards for the march. View from the Chairs is their record of the day. The portraits are photographed from the perspective of a wheelchair user and a scooter user, with the majority taken on a phone. Without access to adequate benefits and services, many disabled people will no longer be able to access sport at any level. Paralympians have joined UKDPC in speaking out in defence of Disability Living Allowance, due to be cut by 20% in 2013. Click here to view a slideshow version.