One of the UK’s leading disabled digital artists, Jason Wilsher-Mills, shared his skills and experience at a public talk in Dumfries’ Gracefield Art Centre.
Based in the East Midlands, his work details his life as a disabled person through theatrical self-portraits which reflect aspects of his personality, memory, illness and disability.
He currently has a national touring exhibition which has been thrilling visitors to Gracefield and his talk was the chance to find out more about his inspiring life and his own take on his Jason and his Argonauts exhibition.
At the heart of it is an impressive large-scale inflatable sculpture.
This Argonaut tells people’s stories from the Changing Places movement – a campaign calling for fully accessible toilets equipped with height adjustable changing benches, tracking hoists and space for two carers to be installed in all large public venues throughout the UK.
It also has motifs reflecting the care that Jason’s mum gave him when he became disabled as a teenager.
Jason works with disabled communities from around the UK and the exhibition also tells the stories of these geographically diverse, learning-disabled groups.
On Tuesday, at Gracefied, he ran an artwork workshop for participants in the local Access Art’s Splatter and Chatter Art group.
His exhibition also includes interactive artworks, fibreglass sculptures, light box digital paintings, highly ornate wallpaper and films by the artist – all free to view.
Linda Dorward, chairman of the council’s communities committee, is among the many who have been to see it and said: “It was really great to visit the exhibition and meet with Jason to learn about the foundations for this work based on his personal experiences and work with other disabled communities.
“Jason is an inspiring individual and an amazing artist.
“Interactive storytelling is accessible and enjoyable and, I believe, a great way to learn about the lives of others, the vibrant and in you face artwork is simultaneously fun and thought provoking.
“It’s fantastic to see Jason and his Argonauts in Gracefield.”
To arrange group or school visits email arts@dumgal.gov.uk.
