Behind perception: a portrait of hidden disability

Say the word ‘disability’, now what do you see?

Visual information plays a key role in our perception of reality. What we see is filtered through the lens of past experience. We can only become consciously aware of our misperceptions if we open to receiving new information that may challenge our existing understandings.

This photography exhibition organised by Bonnie Thomas asks you to re-imagine your concept of disability. It is a portrayal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalopathy (CFS/ME) a chronic, complex, neurological illness. We present to you seven individuals who have suffered, or are still suffering from, the devastating effects of CFS/ME. Often this illness has no visual expression, instead it manifests itself by causing disarray to many of the body’s communication systems and can be extremely debilitating both physically and mentally.

By focusing on two contrasting portraits of a person with CFS/ME we hope to show the difference in how someone can look as opposed to how they feel. CFS/ME is often an extremely isolating and emotionally challenging condition. For those experiencing this illness, not being seen or understood is one of its most distressing and de-humanising aspects. This photography exhibition aims to highlight the reality of this often misunderstood condition.

80 Hamilton House, Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3QY

15th-28th January 2015, 9am-9pm, FREE