By: Leah Samuels, The Cape Towner
Picture: First Thursdays, Cape Town
An inspirational photographic exhibition celebrating disabled South African women, dignity, and inclusion is open to the public at 33BREE in the Cape Town CBD.
The exhibition, titled As She Is, features a portfolio of portraits capturing disabled women in high fashion and couture, using expressive compositions to promote visibility and inclusion in the local arts scene.
The project was completed through the collaboration of Bold Beauty Project, 33 BREE, The Artists Gallery, HEAT Arts Festival, the Artscape Theatre, Amy Foundation SA, and SA Ubuntu Foundation.
The As She Is portfolio visually incorporates assistive mobility devices, including wheelchairs, crutches, prosthetics, and guide dogs, into stylised settings.
Art lovers can visit the Bree Street space during gallery hours until the exhibition concludes at the end of August.
“It’s not just a picture. Number one, I am a person with a disability, as you can see. And I’m a proud person with disabilities, but behind this disability, there’s a long road. You need to know that being disabled is not an easy road,” said Marlene le Roux, South African artist and activist.
Award-winning stylist and activist Tracy-Lee Rosslind also collaborated on the project.
“For me, it was about putting these women in couture. It was not about- I was putting them in clothes that they could feel empowered, that they would understand that they have every right to be seen, to be heard, and to be powerful, and they are impactful,” said Rosslind.
Overall, the exhibition features 17 models with varying disabilities. As She Is remains open at 33BREE until August 29. Cape Town residents, CBD commuters, and art lovers can visit the Bree Street space during gallery hours until the exhibition concludes at the end of August.
