★ ★ ★ ★
Leighanne Higgin’s is a non-disabled researcher of disability access at Lancaster University. Her curated exhibition, has, with sense of foresight, let disabled people themselves design, create and set their own agenda. Leighanne sees herself more of a facilitator for the artist’s work, rather than centring her own voice. During the day Higgin’s gives a guided tour, amplifying the work of disabled artists.
My visit was a wonderful opportunity to see Aurora’s Castle by The Eaton Family, representing visual impairment. Leighanne offers enhanced listening, going further than audio description, to give us an in-depth quality to each piece,
As an autistic person the work around neurodiversity called to me most, especially Scott Bleasdales’ triptych Claustrophobia, Embarrassment and Anger showing a figure overwhelmed by a colourful explosion of people, that follows through into a black and white final painting that is full of anguish – it captured sensory overwhelm in a way I’d never seen before. Fitting in by Grace Igoe, displays a mask chipped away in sections, revealing hidden depths and porous, almost pearl like surfaces.
Autumn and Patience by Nicki J Conway feature two long narrow canvases, where paint has been applied by their wheelchair, giving a vibrancy and texture that a brush could never give, and though that, perfectly representing their two subjects. As a tactile exhibit you can feel the energy behind the strokes of the wheel.
The Exhibition also shows Lego Ramps, an idea that allows lego to be used to make commercial spaces more accessible. I was amazed that lego can be used to build ramps! A brilliant idea that I hope we will see around Edinburgh, as it is desperately needed.
The Marketplace and I is an essential collection of artwork from our community. The airy calm quality of the Whitespace gallery allows for time to meditate and reflect on our place in the high street.
The Marketplace and I: Commercial Experiences of Disability Explored Through Art Whitespace 76 10:00 (10AM – 6PM) Aug 13 – 24 (free)
