Canon and RNIB launch ‘World Unseen’
The two organisations have created an accessible and immersive photography exhibition
Shining a spotlight on the industry
Wednesday, 06 Mar 2024 13:48 GMT
Canon has looked to make art more accessible for blind and partially sighted people for many years with tactile print and braille signage
Canon Europe has announced a partnership with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to create ‘World Unseen’ a photography exhibition that invites visitors who are blind, partially sighted, and sighted to experience photography in a new and immersive way.
The exhibition will take place at Somerset House, London, between April 5th to 7th and will feature works for well-known photographers and Canon ambassadors including Brent Stirton, Sebastião Salgado, and Heidi Rondak.
The show will be accompanied by a video series which will feature partially sighted individuals, including activist Lucy Edwards and Winter Paralympian Menna Fitzpatrick, who have both partnered with Canon to tell their stories and show their reactions to the photography.
The works on show include tactile and elevated prints produced through Canon’s proprietary PRISMAelevateXL software and Arizona printer series.
Pete Morris, brand and sponsorship senior manager at Canon EMEA, says: “Photography is an incredibly powerful medium that can push the imagination and we want this experience to be accessible to everyone.
An example of the impressive photography on display at the exhibition
“This exhibition was created with blind and partially sighted people in mind to share imagery and the stories behind them in an entirely new way. With Canon’s elevated print technology, we hope all visitors will feel a deeper connection to the emotions and stories that imaging can bring to life.”
The exhibition includes elevated prints, audio descriptions, soundscapes, and braille for a tactile experience that helps visitors connected with the powerful images.
Dave Williams, inclusive design ambassador at RNIB, adds: “The World Unseen exhibition opens up the world of photography and enables more blind and partially sighted people to experience the emotive stories, and physical touch, of these iconic images.
“As a braille user, it’s fantastic to be working with Canon to raise awareness of the possibilities of textured print and to see in action how technology can make art more accessible for people with sight loss.”
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