An exhibition to ‘challenge our thinking’
Autistic photographers’ work
More than 70 guests gathered at the Macrobert Arts Centre last week for an evening of autism-friendly celebrations.
The event marked the launch of a new exhibition, “Too Much Information: what autistic photographers want you to understand about autism”, featuring 40 images created by a group of autistic individuals as they learned about photography.
The images, and accompanying words, are designed to increase understanding of the condition which affects around one in 100.
The budding photographers were mentored for six months by Graham Miller, an experienced documentary photographer and member of international photography collectives M55reports and Photohonesty.org, with support from Roslyn Bryant and photographer Dave Barlow, his colleagues at Edinburgh-based firm Agilent Technologies.
Graham said: “The results are pure and beautiful. This important exhibition will challenge thinking.”
The Macrobert was also honoured with the National Autistic Society Scotland’s Autism Friendly Award, which recognises organisations that take steps to ensure autistic people can access and enjoy their venues and spaces.
Macrobert artistic director Julie Ellen said: “We have been working to make our venue, events and experiences open and welcoming to all people who need additional support to come along and get involved with the arts. This prestigious award both confirms and celebrates that we are doing a good job for people living with autism and their friends and families, which is brilliant.”
Guest, regional MSP Alexander Stewart, said: “Autism is much more common than many people think. There are around 700,000 people on the autistic spectrum in the UK, which is more than 1 in 100 and if you include their families, autism is a part of daily life for around 2.8 million people. Autistic people can become overloaded by everything around them, much like all the senses going at once as if there is no filter. Over 99 per cent of people have heard of autism but only around 16 per cent of autistic people feel the public understands them. This is why the NAS came up with the exhibition.
“The Macrobert also does a lot with those living with autism.” The free exhibition runs until April 29.