this body of mine
Advocating for Disability Through Art: A Closer Look at Disabled-Body Experiences
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Disability activism is crucial to dismantle societal barriers and foster inclusivity. Lennard Davis emphasizes that disability is not merely a medical condition but a social construct shaped by cultural perceptions and systemic discrimination. By advocating for disability rights through ‘This Body of Mine’ the featured artists challenge ingrained stereotypes and promote accessibility in all facets of life.
Their works strive to highlight the neglected and untold stories in hopes of disrupting mainstream narratives, challenging stigmas and fostering a more inclusive society. By integrating art into activism, we not only raise awareness but also cultivate a culture of acceptance and empowerment for people with disabilities, paving the way for meaningful societal change focused on people-centred solutions.
Their works strive to highlight the neglected and untold stories in hopes of disrupting mainstream narratives, challenging stigmas and fostering a more inclusive society. By integrating art into activism, we not only raise awareness but also cultivate a culture of acceptance and empowerment for people with disabilities, paving the way for meaningful societal change focused on people-centred solutions.
Kwinana, Athenkosi. (2022). Orange. [Color pencil on Fabriano paper].
De Nucingen, Aphra. (2023). Overwhelmed, [digital photograph printed on mat paper, 76 x 50 cm].
Tobin Siebers highlights the concept of "hidden bodies" and the role of stereotypes in perpetuating marginalization. Siebers argues that society often overlooks or dismisses individuals whose disabilities are not readily apparent, leading to their experiences being invalidated or ignored. This phenomenon, known as "disability passing," underscores the need for greater awareness of the diversity within the disability community.
The artists examine these harmful misconceptions and provide a powerful antidote to disrupt stereotypes and demand recognition and representation. By showcasing the rich diversity of disabled experiences, this chapter fosters a more nuanced understanding of disability and encourages empathy and solidarity across communities
The artists examine these harmful misconceptions and provide a powerful antidote to disrupt stereotypes and demand recognition and representation. By showcasing the rich diversity of disabled experiences, this chapter fosters a more nuanced understanding of disability and encourages empathy and solidarity across communities
featured artists
Paola Iacovone|Arklow, Ireland| @paolaiacovone.painter
Lisa Kreuziger | Marburg, Germany| @lisakreuziger_art
Barbara Hulme | Manchester, England |@barbara.hulme
Claire Cervantes | Toulouse, France|@achxmt
Lakshmi Nagaraj | Bangalore, India |@lakdoesthings
Pauly Vugteveen | Kalamazoo, USA| @p___v________
Jenny Konrad | Den Haag, Netherlands | @_jennykonrad
Lucy Bennett | London, England | @lucybennettdance
Ildiko Nova | Winnipeg, Canada | @ildiko.nova
Eve Tuesday| Oxford, England| @evetuesday
Reena Deen | Singapore | @ReenaDeen8
Athenkosi Kwinana | Johannesburg, South Africa | @kwinanaaaa
Lisa Kreuziger | Marburg, Germany| @lisakreuziger_art
Barbara Hulme | Manchester, England |@barbara.hulme
Claire Cervantes | Toulouse, France|@achxmt
Lakshmi Nagaraj | Bangalore, India |@lakdoesthings
Pauly Vugteveen | Kalamazoo, USA| @p___v________
Jenny Konrad | Den Haag, Netherlands | @_jennykonrad
Lucy Bennett | London, England | @lucybennettdance
Ildiko Nova | Winnipeg, Canada | @ildiko.nova
Eve Tuesday| Oxford, England| @evetuesday
Reena Deen | Singapore | @ReenaDeen8
Athenkosi Kwinana | Johannesburg, South Africa | @kwinanaaaa
Agata Perzyńska | Gdańsk, Poland| @agataperzynska
Katy Stewart | French Alps | @katystew.art
Anastasia Klymenko | Ukraine, Kyiv |@tasteofbeauty
Aphra De Nucingen | Paris, France | @aphra.de.nucingen
Sean Michael Thompson | Atlanta, USA | @seanmichaelartist
Emily Tironi | Saratoga Springs, USA| @ett.designs
Brenda R. Vega | Quito, Ecuador |@brenda.r.vega
Michelle Baharier | London, England| @bahariermichelle
Kristín Elva Rögnvaldsdóttir | Reykjavík, Iceland | @kristinelva_art
Ludmila Šenkyříková | Olomouc, Czech Republic|@lumi_su
Katy Stewart | French Alps | @katystew.art
Anastasia Klymenko | Ukraine, Kyiv |@tasteofbeauty
Aphra De Nucingen | Paris, France | @aphra.de.nucingen
Sean Michael Thompson | Atlanta, USA | @seanmichaelartist
Emily Tironi | Saratoga Springs, USA| @ett.designs
Brenda R. Vega | Quito, Ecuador |@brenda.r.vega
Michelle Baharier | London, England| @bahariermichelle
Kristín Elva Rögnvaldsdóttir | Reykjavík, Iceland | @kristinelva_art
Ludmila Šenkyříková | Olomouc, Czech Republic|@lumi_su