Photography in Preview  

Genetic disabilities come in many different forms and affect their sufferers in a number of ways.

‘Celebrating Diversity’ is a photographic exhibition that has turned this affliction around and has chosen to celebrate the differences and appreciate the uniqueness of those with genetic disabilities.

Executive member of the Society for the Study of Behavioural Phenotypes, Honey Heussler has played a big part in bringing the ‘Celebrating Diversity’ exhibition to Brisbane after being inspired by Rick Guidotti’s work. “A couple of years ago we had a conference in the UK and the photographer Rick Guidotti had an exhibition there. I loved his work and his philosophy about trying to celebrate people who were affected by genetic diversity and was very keen to try and bring that message to this exhibition,” she says. “This is an exhibition of photographs designed to normalise the various aspects of genetic disabilities that people have and really celebrate the difference. It’s all about celebrating diversity, celebrating the positive and the normal aspects of people affected by these disorders.”

Honey is hoping the exhibition will change people’s attitudes towards genetic disabilities. “I would hope this exhibition encourages people to see past the label of the disability and to see that it’s actually a person affected by a disability,” Heussler says. “I’m hoping that Brisbane audiences will start to see disability not as a negative and start to see the positive.”

The idea for the exhibition came from a need to change the perceptions and representations of people with a genetic disorder. “The concept behind Rick’s photography came from an experience where he saw a person affected by albinism. He then went to a library and saw a book of medical photos that featured pictures of people with genetic disabilities that weren’t very nice and he made it his mission in life to actually develop a resource which is much more about people in real life situations and affording people much more dignity as to how they’re photographed,” Ms Heussler says.

‘Celebrating Diversity’ features at the Brisbane Powerhouse until October 17.