Apologies for cross postings -
OUTSIDE THE FRAME: IMAGES OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
- Photographic Exhibition Explores Sexuality, Disability and Body Image -
January 2002 - 'Intimate ENCOUNTERS' is a landmark photographic essay that
explores the myriad of connections between disability and sexuality. It
challenges the hidden (and often-at times not so hidden) myth in our society
that only the most glamorous, attractive and successful among us lead
active, healthy and imaginative sexual lives. It is a myth intonated
through images present at every edge of our consciousness. Screened,
flashed, flickered and fleshed out through film, print, press, art and
Internet - eventually projected from person to person, generation to
generation.
But then there is the truth. We all have our own, unique sexual journey,
mapped out with secret adventure, whispered aspirations, the pain of risk
and over riding urge for intimacy. It is a journey that, if fully embraced,
determines and moulds our identity and self worth. Ultimately, it's about
how we feel about our inner selves that let's us free each other to lead
larger lives.
'Intimate ENCOUNTERS' creates new visual messages about sexuality and
disability. These messages have a basis in the lived realities of
individuals with disability. People with physical, intellectual, learning,
psychiatric and neurological disabilities have shared some of their most
intimate thoughts and feelings by being photographed.
'Intimate ENCOUNTERS' extends the journey from the subconscious into the
community, from the personal to the political, challenging the hidden norms
about what is "sexy" and who among us is allowed to feel that way. The
people who are collaborating in this photographic essay are all
extraordinary. Some are well known for their various achievements. There
are Paralympians, people who excel in their chosen sport. There are
professionals in the arts, community services and academia. All the people
concerned are, by participating in this project, activists and allies in a
global struggle for a basic human right, the right to be a sexual person.
Photographer Belinda Mason-Lovering has travelled around Australia over the
last two years collecting images that examine the relationship between
sexuality and people with disabilities. Mason-Lovering has created images
that reflect the personal emotional journey of people with disabilities by
choosing to photograph the intangible – emotion.
The exhibition opened in Sydney in 2001 and has since traveled to Hobart and
Melbourne and will be in Adelaide for the 2002 High Beam Festival.
Sponsorship is needed to keep this show on the road, across Australia and
around the world. Deakin University was proud to sponsor the Melbourne show
and expressions of interest are now being sought from organisations to
assist hosting 'Intimate ENCOUNTERS' in other cities both in Australia
(Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra) and overseas. If you are able to
assist, please email me at [log in to unmask] Also, please forward
this email to anyone who may be interested in this project and feel free to
check-out the website www.intimate-encounters.com.au
Thank you for your time,
George Taleporos
Deakin University
http://www.hbs.deakin.edu.au/psychology/disexbody/default.htm
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