Shifting Perspectives in Halifax

 
"Twenty years ago images such as
these would have been neither
seen nor made."; © oxo_javier

A unique photographic exhibition created by and about people with Down's syndrome takes place at Halifax's Dean Clough Gallery from June 6th - September 30th 2009.

Shifting Perspectives challenges long-held stereotypes of people with Down's syndrome and presents a genuine picture of those living with the condition. Most of the photographers have children with Down's syndrome themselves, informing their work in a deeply personal way.

One of the most remarkable installations in the exhibition is ‘365' by Richard Bailey, which is made up of 365 photos of children with Down's syndrome - one for each day of the year. The piece celebrates the children's characters and individuality, confronting a stereotypical view of Down's syndrome. A selection of the photos will be shown at Dean Clough.

Also exhibiting will be Vinay Kapoor, who has Down's syndrome. Kapoor's work centres on a trip to Mumbai he made over Christmas 2007, and highlights a personal vision of the Indian city by someone with Down's syndrome.

Photographer Fiona Yaron-Field, who is exhibiting work that formed her book ‘Up Close', says: "So often photography of people with disabilities is created by charities to raise awareness. With Shifting Perspectives the work is intimate, realistic and complex. There are no labels of ‘positive' or ‘negative' and a mix of photographic genres is used. In my case I use my camera to document my life with Ophir, my daughter."

John Smithies, spokesman for the Down's Syndrome Association says: "Over the last ten years we've seen attitudes towards people with Down's syndrome change, and Shifting Perspectives forms a part of that. These photographs reveal a tender and very personal view of Down's syndrome, and truly have the power to shift perspectives. This is something that we at the Down's Syndrome Association constantly work to achieve."

Shifting Perspectives has run for the last five years in London. This is the first time it has come to West Yorkshire.

REHACARE.de; Source: Down's Syndrome Association

- More about Down’s Syndrome Association at: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

( Source: REHACARE.de )