Sculpture Exhibit at 20:21
16 July 2012 by Scunny Independent NewsPress release from the council (sorry about the cut and paste, am really busy today)
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A giant inflatable sculpture will be an unmissable addition to the courtyard at 20-21 Visual Arts Centre in Scunthorpe until 11 August.
Measuring over 30 feet in height, the figure is a sculpture by award-winning artist Simon Mckeown and part of his Motion Disabled Unlimited exhibition.
Created using body mapping technology the work is based on 3D computer models of disabled actor and performer Matt Fraser and aims to challenge how disabled people are represented in culture and the media.
Produced as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad programme in Yorkshire and Humber, it will be one of the largest sculptures of its kind in the UK.
Alongside the sculpture new video artwork will also be shown in the gallery featuring some of the UK’s leading disabled athletes.
Subjects include eleven times paralympic gold medallist Baroness Tani Grey-Thompson who was born with spina bifida, and GB sitting volleyball team members Anton Raimondo and Rob Richardson.
The works are part of a series of artworks and exhibitions using technologies normally used in the videogame and movie industry to record and map the bodies and movements of adults with disabilities.
Simon, who is himself disabled, wants to change the way disabled people are represented in our culture.
He said: "People are often embarrassed to look at people with disabilities and there is still a cultural taboo around disability which is a big issue in the UK.
"This is an opportunity to look, see and be fascinated by beautiful motions and bodies and break that taboo.
"Around 20 per cent of the population will, at some point in their life be identified as disabled, but still disabled people are not visible enough in our culture and on television - I want to change that.
"Disability is unique, an exciting part of the fabric of our society and Motion Disabled Unlimited is a chance see, without embarrassment the way people with disabilities use their bodies in sport and day to day life."
Motion Disabled Unlimited is on diplay at 20-21 Visual Arts Centre until Saturday 11 August.
The works will then tour to venues across the country including the London 2012 showcase at the South Bank Centre in September.
Cllr John Briggs, cabinet member for Asset Management, Culture and Housing, at North Lincolnshire Council, said:
"People will not be able to miss this temporary addition to the Scunthorpe skyline.
"Simon Mckeown's work tackles the portrayal of people with a disability head-on.
"He's worked with some of the country's top athletes and we're privileged to have this thought
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