New art exhibition aims to highlight the world as seen by those with sight loss

A new exhibition is set to highlight how those with visual impairment view the world.

Sight loss charity Outlookers (previously known as Kirklees Visual Impairment Network, or KVIN) has partnered with Wakefield-based artist Ruth Fones for the new exhibition, which will be displayed at Valli Opticians in Hebden Bridge in September.

The exhibition, entitled Do you see what I see?, will be open to the public and attendees will have the opportunity to purchase pieces from the collection, with 15% of sales being donated to the charity.

The opening will take place on 9 September, between 7pm and 9pm.

Fones’ work explores semi-abstract landscapes through colour, perspective, and proportion. In creating the collection she interviewed people with varying degrees of sight loss or visual impairment and carried out her own research, including using simulation glasses to try to gain a better appreciation of what it feels like to experience sight loss.

Fones said: “I have used the interviews with Outlookers service users to develop artwork based on my interpretations of sight. Some paintings try to capture a sense of the everyday life of a partially sighted person, like struggling to see a bus number. Others are based on one sentence, which led me to create my own visualisations. The artworks are as unique as the sight condition is to that person.”

She added: “The focus of the project is to provoke thought and create awareness of what it might be like to be living with sight loss.

“It’s been such an honour to work with everyone involved. The project feels like it has a uniqueness and an energy that I hope I can continue to develop beyond this exhibition.”

The exhibition was borne out of a collaboration between Outlookers and local independent Valli Opticians. Valli Opticians founder Moin Valli is also vice chair of the charity.

Valli said: “We are thrilled to have worked alongside Ruth to develop and host the Do you see what I see? collection. Creating artwork that highlights the impact of sight loss on users is so important, and we are so grateful to Ruth for creating such meaningful pieces, as well as kindly donating a portion of the sales to the charity.

“We would love to see as many local residents as possible at the exhibition, not only to see the amazing artwork on display but to find out more about the work that Outlookers and its volunteers do for the local community throughout Kirklees.”

As well as the original artworks, most of the exhibition pieces are available to order as either framed or unframed prints. For more information visit Ruth Fones’ Facebook page.