The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is set to host a compelling new exhibition titled "Seen," featuring the work of Newport photographer Joshua Bratt. Opening this September at the charity’s London headquarters, the Grimaldi Building, the exhibition highlights the lives and stories of blind and partially sighted individuals from across the UK. Bratt’s project challenges common stereotypes by emphasising the individuality and achievements of people with sight loss, moving beyond reductive labels to reveal the rich personal narratives behind their experiences.

Joshua Bratt remarked on his revelation during the project, admitting that he had previously viewed visually impaired individuals merely through the lens of their disability rather than recognising their full personhood. This insight became a driving force behind "Seen," aiming to shift public perceptions and promote a deeper understanding of those living with sight loss. The exhibition comprises 22 photographic portraits, each paired with an audio description and accompanied by a tactile brochure to offer visitors an inclusive, multi-sensory experience that extends beyond the visual.

The diverse group of participants includes Louise Simpson, notable as the first blind person to complete 100 marathons, alongside a range of distinguished figures such as former Home Secretary Lord Blunkett, British archery champion Clive Jones, astronomer Dr Nicolas Bonne, gamer Ben Breen, barrister Jessikah Inaba, and model Nan M. Anna Tylor, chair of RNIB, also features among the portraits, lending her perspective to the collection. Tylor expressed her enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the importance of authentic representation in promoting awareness and empathy. She said the exhibition offers a moving reminder of the vital role representation plays—not only in how people with disabilities are seen but also in how they are heard and understood.

"Seen" will run from 12 to 14 September, and visitors can book free timed tickets via the RNIB website or Eventbrite. This exhibition is part of RNIB’s broader commitment to accessibility and inclusion, coinciding with other upcoming events such as their Accessible Media Symposium, which brings together creators, technology experts, and people with lived experience to explore innovations in accessible storytelling.

Within the vibrant London art scene this September, "Seen" will be one among several notable exhibitions drawing attention to diverse narratives. While larger-scale events like Kerry James Marshall’s major retrospective at the Royal Academy spotlight Black histories in art, and Frieze Sculpture in Regent’s Park explores themes of light and shadow, Bratt’s exhibition uniquely centers on sight loss and the spectrum of human experience it represents. It stands alongside other recent inclusive initiatives such as RNIB’s collaboration with Canon Europe on "World Unseen," another photography exhibition designed to be immersive and accessible to all visitors.

Through "Seen," Joshua Bratt and RNIB invite the public to engage with the perspectives and achievements of people with sight loss more deeply—encouraging society to reconsider assumptions and celebrate the talents and stories often overlooked. The exhibition promises a thoughtful, immersive encounter that broadens the conversation about disability, identity, and representation.

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Source: Noah Wire Services