Art has the power to not only share new perspectives, but also challenge viewers, letting them step into the shoes of other people and shift societies at large.
Brands need to understand the power of visual storytelling and photography in cultivating communities that celebrate difference. In contemporary times, visual art can be revolutionised, making it a more versatile and immersive instrument to empower marginalised voices and narratives.
Pushing inclusivity in art
Over 250 million people worldwide have some form of loss of sight, and in South Africa, one million individuals live with some form of visual impairment. Traditional art is often image based, and mediums like photography are dependent on it. However, this makes it inaccessible to a minority of individuals who are not reliant on sight to see. Because of this, it’s important to explore how visual art can be reconstructed in ways where it becomes more inclusive.
Advancements in technology have set the groundwork for making art more accessible. Whether it is tactile art-making materials, such as textured papers and fabrics that can be felt, or digital and audio descriptions that can be heard, enhancing visual art and turning it into a multisensory experience leads to it democratisation. That way, art lovers are not only represented in their art, but they also actively begin to influence the art that is shared publicly, widening the art market and equalising distribution of it. Visual storytelling then becomes multidimensional. It becomes a pathway for education and helps to break down stereotypes and harmful stigmas. The result is a greater appreciation for the unique perspectives and talents of individuals with various physical challenges.
Collaboration fuels progress
The true value of broadening participation in art lies in collaborating with the global visually impaired community. Institutions and artists can consult with community members to ensure that inclusion efforts are meaningful. Artists and curators may not anticipate every accessibility need, so direct input ensures accessibility is functional, not theoretical. By including people with physical challenges in shaping inclusive art, we create equity and genuine representation, making voices audible and creativity visible. Their perspectives enrich artistic expression, showcasing fresh ideas that inspire all audiences, not just those with physical challenges. Ultimately, we display art that reflects and welcomes everyone, promoting empathy, connection, and an all-embracing society.
Elevating visual storytelling in more ways than one
As part of its Kyosei philosophy of inclusion and diversity, Canon’s The World Unseen exhibition not only encouraged equality, but set out to challenge conventional photography.
An effective collaboration between the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), the photographic display at The World Unseen exhibition was enriched with audio descriptions, immersive soundscapes, and braille – offering an engaging experience that invited visitors to connect more deeply with the images and the stories they tell.
Canon’s PRISMAelevate XL software and Arizona printer series brought imagery to life, transforming photography into a tactile experience. Using ultra-thin layers of UV-curable ink, each finer than a strand of hair, Arizona printers stacked and cured them with UV light to create elevated surfaces.
This printing technique introduced texture, contour, and depth, enabling visitors to literally ‘feel’ a photograph. Sighted visitors were also offered a unique glimpse into visual impairment, as several images were intentionally altered to mimic conditions like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. This provided insight into how art is experienced by those with limited vision, ensuring a more inclusive and intriguing experience for all.
When we cater to all, everyone benefits
The future of photography, when made truly accessible to people with physical challenges, promises a more empathetic visual culture. By embracing adaptive technologies, sensory rich engagements, and thoughtful design, photography can transcend rigid barriers, allowing everyone to create, interpret, and connect through images. This shift not only expands artistic possibilities but also cultivates a society where varied perspectives are celebrated, ensuring that the power of photography – to tell stories, evoke emotion, and capture the human experience – is available to all.
