A compelling new exhibition features 22 striking portraits of individuals with differing degrees of visual impairment, showcasing their varied talents and passions.
Curated by Walthamstow-based photojournalist Joshua Bratt, Seen focuses not on disability but on personality, achievement, and everyday life.
Bratt felt inspired to create Seen after repeatedly passing a man using a cane on his morning commute.
He said: “I realised I was seeing him for his disability, rather than who he really was.”
This moment of clarity sparked a powerful project aimed at encouraging others to look beyond blindness.
By capturing his subjects engaged in their passions, from careers to hobbies, Bratt invites us to question our assumptions and appreciate the rich, complex lives of people with visual impairments.
Each portrait is accompanied by a personal quote, offering insight into the subject’s mindset, creating a conversation between viewer and sitter.
Held at the Royal National Institute of Blind People’s (RNIB) headquarters in Islington, the showcase prioritised accessibility. Visitors engaged with tactile books, glasses that simulate different sight conditions, and audio descriptions available via QR codes or online.
The exhibition is now available online, allowing more people to discover the art and stories.
Among the portraits is Lord David Blunkett’s, a member of the House of Lords. This powerful image was captured in just ten minutes, demonstrating Bratt’s skill and ability to work under pressure.
Connie Evans is the oldest participant in the portrait series at 103, who unfortunately passed a few months before the exhibition opened.
Evans lived through wartime London, regularly speaking to schoolchildren about her experiences. She helped those in need within her local community and became Chair of her local residents’ association.
Reflecting on Connie’s portrait, Bratt said: “It makes you think about what kind of person you want to be and how you can leave a mark like she did.”
Bratt intentionally placed her image last as a quiet tribute to a life lived with purpose and generosity, as well as leaving viewers with a lasting reflection.
“You start to think about life and it makes you want to be a better person.”
Bratt has developed a platform focused on education, awareness, and artistic expression. It aims to challenge common stereotypes and showcase the determination, talent, and individuality of people who are frequently identified by their condition.
Featured image credit: Gemma Hamilton
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