A STUNNING exhibition of work by artists with sensory impairments from across the UK has opened at the Nest Gallery in Birmingham.
‘I Know I Can’t See, But I Still Look’ celebrates colour, texture and narratives and showcase a range of unique visual arts, ceramics and textiles created by artists with sight and hearing loss.
The exhibition is being staged in collaboration with Birmingham based architects Glenn Howells, who have designed deafblind charity Sense’s new TouchBase Pears building.
Due to complete construction in Selly Oak in summer 2017, TouchBase Pears will provide state of the art facilities that will enable disabled people and the wider community to participate in a range of art activities.
Stephanie Tyrrell, arts & wellbeing manager, at Sense, said: “This special collection of work showcases some of the best visual arts, ceramics and textiles being created by artists from across the UK with sensory loss.”
Glenn Howells, director at Glenn Howells, said: “Involvement in arts can have a huge impact of an individual’s wellbeing and quality of life, by helping people to develop confidence, communication skills and sense of identity.
“Sense has a long and proud history of supporting people with sight and hearing impairments to find a way to express themselves creatively and we’re delighted that this unique exhibition will celebrate the colour, textures and narratives of some very talented deafblind artists working within our London, Birmingham and Exeter projects.”
The exhibition, which runs until Jun 7, is free to attend. Opening hours 10am – 4pm
IMAGE: A painting by William McGregor, a 19 years-old artist from Devon.
William has Angelman’s Syndrome, proprioception disorder, visual impairment and auditory processing problems.
He has no formal communication, but he makes it clear what he wants through body language.
William enjoys the effect painting on a large canvas gives him. He makes the painting using his hands. He not only enjoys the feel of the paint but when he ‘hits’ it, the canvas bounces and vibrates like a drum.
