The exhibition presents a research and development project undertaken by the artist and funded by Wakefield Council Culture Grants which considers how artwork could be more interactive, with particular consideration for the blind and visually impaired attendees that have been part of the research process whilst developing the work. Extracts from these interviews will be played during the exhibition.

Artist Statement

Throughout my career as an educator I have continuously observed the subtle variations in our individual perception of colour, light, form and perspective. My own diagnosis of a common age-related sight change, triggered a moment of significant reflection, and uncovered a wider fascination with the differences in our vision. I have immersed myself in researching eye conditions and documenting conversations surrounding sight, both of which profoundly inform my creative practice. 

In my previous body of work I positioned myself as artistic interpreter, bringing to life through the medium of paint, the experiences of vision generously shared with interviewees connected with sight loss charity Outlookers in Huddersfield. This body of work led me to question how viewers can interact with visual artwork in different ways such as through touch or sound.

‘Please Touch the Art’ presents a research and development project funded by Wakefield Council Culture Grants. Through interviews and feedback sessions, primarily with Wakefield District Sight Aid service users, the work was developed to allow a variety of ways to engage with it either by contrasting colours, using embossing or texture techniques to add tactile elements and using audio to create feedback within a painting. The intention was to enhance the viewer experience with particular consideration for blind or sight impaired visitors, however the results make it more engaging for us all. Don’t we all want to ‘Touch the Art?’

The exhibition includes large print and braille formats as well as an opportunity to try out some tactile drawings to take home.