The first online launch event of ‘Seeing in Isolation’ – a project by Multistory, photographer Karren Visser and Sandwell Visually Impaired – took place on Thursday 6 May on Zoom. The second launch event is on Saturday 8 May 2021, from 5 to 6.15pm. Book your place here. The short films will then be available for viewing on Multistory’s website.
Our multi-talented members who took part in this project are making a big impact. We are immensely proud of them and all they have achieved. Attendees at the fully-booked, first event described it as ‘inspiring’ and ‘moving’. Several participants said that it had given them a whole new insight into how people with sight loss see the world.
About the project
At the beginning of the pandemic, in a very short space of time, blind and visually impaired members of Sandwell Visually Impaired overcame the hurdles of working virtually and using technology so that they could collaborate with photographer, Karren Visser. They shared personal stories, memories, and photographs from their family albums; did audio recordings; and some found a way to make their own photographs and videos. The result is a series of digital stories that share personal accounts that challenge prevailing perspectives on what it may be like to be blind or visually impaired.
In addition to a screening of the digital stories, the events feature a Q&A with Karren Visser and some of the project participants. The films are audio-described and the events will have a BSL interpreter.
Image caption: A faded family album photograph of Jean, who has short brown hair, sitting on a bench in a luxuriant sunny garden surrounded by bushes of all shapes and sizes and brightly coloured flowers.
Jean says: ‘My most vivid memory when I was about 6 to 10 years old is of our house. In my mind’s eye I can still see it.’
Please join us at one of the events to hear the rest of Jean’s story and more! Or if you have missed the events, be sure and watch the short films online.
