A groundbreaking photography exhibition has confronted stereotypical views of disability, capturing how mouth and foot painting artists earn their living.
The remarkable new photography series – ‘SHADOWS & SUBSTANCE: The Mouth and Foot Painting Artists Through 'The Blind Photographer’s' Lens’ – can be viewed at www.mfpa.co.uk prior to a physical exhibition next year.
The series is captured by Ian Treherne (pictured above) who was born with RP Type 2 Usher Syndrome, a condition that causes both blindness and deafness. Known as 'The Blind Photographer’, Traherne’s new images spotlight the extraordinary talent of disabled artists in the UK who earn their living painting without the use of their arms.
The collaboration — thought to be the first time a blind photographer has worked with disabled artists — has been created to draw attention to the work of the UK’s Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA), particularly the stunning Christmas cards, gifts and other festive products which generate their main source of income annually.
Ian sees a 5% pinhole of sight and harnesses his disability to create evocative images, specialising in black-and-white photography that uses light and dark to capture his subjects.
“I see less but often capture what others miss,” said Ian.
“I use my 5% pinhole vision to find the angle and composition for a shot and use my other senses to connect with the subject and capture the human at the heart of this story.
“I found a particular affinity with the MFPA artists. Understanding the challenges we have to pursue in order to have dignity, pride and create solutions in our daily lives. Through my portraits, I want to introduce the artists to the world with modern vibrant imagery changing perceptions of disabilities and focus on their talent and individual colourful personalities as artists.
“We want this series to build awareness of the artists, their work and how they earn their living. In doing so we can challenge preconceptions and build understanding."
The images capture the personal strength and talent of each artist as well as the skill it takes to paint with their mouths and or feet. They place the artist at the heart of the conversation via deeply personal images showing them at work and the connection they have with their canvas and tools.
The collaboration brings a fresh perspective to the creative journeys of the MFPA artists, challenging the public to reconsider assumptions about disability and ability.
The MFPA not only provides its artists with an outlet for their creative expression and a positive role in society but importantly also helps them to attain financial independence through a career in art.
Each year, thanks to the MFPA’s unique model, the artists’ work is transformed into a wide range of gifts and products, including Christmas cards, wrapping, calendars and puzzles, with proceeds directly supporting their ability to continue creating art.
“Being part of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists has allowed me to express my creativity and earn an income,” said MFPA artist Tom Yendell, pictured above by Ian.
“It has also given me a platform to advocate for greater recognition of disabled artists.
"So much has happened to recognise the skills and abilities of disabled people, particularly across the world of Paralympic sport, yet disabled artists lag in such recognition. Often, they’re talked about as a novelty item regarded with surprise rather than a genuine interest and discussion. We want to change this.”
For further information on the MFPA, a partnership of over 800 artists worldwide and 32 artists in the UK, visit https://www.mfpa.co.uk/
Photo Credits: Annex & Ian Treherne 'The Blind Photographer'
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