“One picture worth ten thousand words”… (as quoted from a Japanese proverb by Barnard in 1927)… But ironically, put a web-search for ‘dyslexia’ and you will get a lot of words and not many pictures!
However, Hull based photographer Miranda Harr is re-dressing the balance through her exhibition and web-based resource Dyslexia Portrait. Tucked into the corner of Brynmore Jones library I found it hard to find the exhibition (oops, that’s me failing to read the information properly!) and whilst I appreciated the physical exhibition space I enjoyed the website more. For me, both online and at the exhibition, the audio montage was an integral part of the project presentation. I wonder if the captivating images could be paired with the audio file to make a short video projection of the photomontages? Combining personal narrative with powerful visual images representing dyslexia could provide a fantastic and accessible resource on the subject?
The exhibition and website are refreshing in the holistic way they represent dyslexia – this isn’t hyping up dyslexic role models the rest of us can’t hope to live up to… it is a very real and inspiring snapshot of people’s success, tenacity and perseverance through a maze of complex and often mis-understood issues around literacy, information processing and cognitive perception. What I like about the project is the diversity of individuals interviewed – from famous football managers and singers, to ‘extra-ordinary ordinary folk’ of a whole range of ages and interests. The diversity present within the participants in the dyslexia portrait powerfully challenges the preconceptions and stigma associated with difference.
Miranda Harr is giving an artists talk on Dyslexia Portraits on Wednesday 25 October 2017, 6.30pm at Hull University.
For more information on the project visit: www.dyslexiaportrait.com
Click here to listen to the audio montage
The Dyslexia Portraits Exhibition runs at Brynmor jones library, University of Hull, until 11 November 2017
