SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES 2006

02/06/2006

7-11 June 2006, 11am-6pm daily

the.gallery Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, South Bank, London SE1

Admission free

Information:

Nearest train/tube: Blackfriars, Waterloo, Southwark

www.oxotower.co.uk

A truly inspiring exhibition of images by five photographers, all of whom have family members with Down’s syndrome. Through photographs, video, audio diary entries Shifting Perspectives 2006, aims to challenge the misconceptions surrounding the diagnosis of Down’s syndrome. Each photographer’s work conveys a different aspect of life with Down’s syndrome from birth to adulthood and highlights that people with Down’s syndrome can and do lead fulfilling active and exciting lives.

Award winning photographer Richard Bailey asks the viewer not to look at perceived disabilities, but to look at real people with Down’s and their abilities. Using video, Kayte Brimacombe shares moments from her son Gabriel’s life which reveal the reality of living with a dual diagnosis of Down’s syndrome and autism. Maria de Fatima Campos images show her daughter Victoria’s journey of growth and development from toddler to young child and the inclusion into the world of formal education. Through photography and audio, Fiona Field explores some of the issues when a new baby is born with a disability. "Fiona’s notebook" is a moving personal account of her relationship with daughter Ophir who has Down’s syndrome. Rafaello Raimondi’s work is part of a photographic project entitled "Rodrigo’s Friends" featuring his brother Rodrigo and his theatre class. The work captures their love to perform for others and the happiness and confidence they feel when doing so.

Presented by Down’s Syndrome Association, the exhibition takes place during Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week (5-11 June).