kanvas, the renowned artistic incubator and immersive art space, is proud to present its latest exhibition “Art With Disabilities: From Frida Kahlo to Stevie Wonder – 11 Amazing Stories of People Who Changed the World” by Poliforma Studio. Opening on 28th October 2024, this revolutionary exhibition honours the lives of 11 extraordinary individuals who, despite living with physical or sensory disabilities, have transformed the world through their creativity, vision, and determination.
“Art With Disabilities” is not only an exploration of the profound achievements of artists, musicians, athletes, and scientists but also a call to expand our own consciousness. Through immersive storytelling, cutting-edge digital displays, and four interactive installations, the exhibition invites visitors to engage with the world as these incredible individuals do – through a unique sensory experience. This immersive and interactive digital art exhibition is fully adapted for people with disabilities, featuring subtitles, audio guides, booklets in Braille and a vest designed with the latest technology specially for people with hearing impairments.
The show will take place at kanvas, located in Al Khayat Avenue, from 28th October to 23rd December.
Featured Participants: Each section of the exhibition focuses on the inspiring lives and accomplishments of 11 individuals:
- Frida Kahlo – Mexican painter whose physical pain inspired iconic self-portraits.
- Stevie Wonder – Legendary musician who revolutionized soul and funk despite being blind from birth.
- Yayoi Kusama – A groundbreaking contemporary artist who channels her mental health struggles into mesmerizing works.
- Ludwig van Beethoven – Composer who created some of his most famous symphonies while completely deaf.
- Vincent van Gogh – Renowned post-impressionist painter who channelled his struggles with mental health into iconic masterpieces, leaving an indelible mark on the art world.
- Helen Keller – An author and activist who broke barriers for the blind and deaf communities.
- Ray Charles – Pioneering soul musician who shattered barriers as a blind African American artist and became an icon of the music industry.
- Louis Braille – The brilliant inventor of the Braille system, transforming communication and accessibility for the visually impaired.
- Stephen Hawking – Renowned astrophysicist who overcame the challenges of ALS to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
- Erik Weihenmayer – The first blind climber to conquer Mount Everest, inspiring adventurers around the world with his remarkable feats.
- Bethany Hamilton – Professional surfer who bravely resumed her career after losing an arm in a shark attack, proving resilience in the face of adversity.
Immersive, Sensory Experience:
The exhibition is designed to be fully accessible, ensuring that every visitor, including those with disabilities, can engage with the art in meaningful ways. It features 4 interactive installations which provide deep insight into how people with disabilities perceive the world. Visitors are invited to challenge their minds by engaging their senses in unconventional ways by exploring Braille writing, hearing music through vibrations, communicating through hand-in-hand signs and relying on the senses of taste, scent, and touch. This part of the exhibition demonstrates how people with disabilities can inspire us to expand the limits of our own sensory experiences.
“Art With Disabilities” at its core is about breaking boundaries – not just in the realm of disability, but in how we as a society view success, creativity, and human potential. By celebrating the stories of people who have overcome, adapted, or ignored their limitations, the exhibition is a powerful reminder of the triumph of the human spirit.
“Each participant in this exhibition has found a way to change the world, and their contributions challenge us to question the limitations we place on ourselves and others,” said Polina Gerasimova, creator of the exhibition. “We hope visitors leave with a newfound sense of empathy, awareness, and inspiration.”
Join us at “Art With Disabilities” and discover how the strength of the human spirit can transcend barriers and change the world.
Event Details:
- Dates: 28 October – 23 December 2024
- Location: kanvas Dubai, Al Khayat Avenue, 19th Street, Al Quoz 1, Dubai
- Admission: Free for people with disabilities | General admission: 99 AED, Book you tickets here.
- For more information, visit www.kanvasglobal.com or contact Ms. Iva Taneva, e-mail: iva.taneva@kanvasglobal.com , +971 509563865