‘Dear Mum’ by Grace Demarte

I explore the intersections of synaesthesia and impaired vision within my family, focusing on my mother's unique sensory experiences. I use analogue photography and darkroom techniques to capture the abstract and vivid nature of her perception. By integrating braille into my prints, I aim to bridge the gap between sighted and visually impaired audiences, fostering a deeper connection and understanding. The gelatin silver and fibre prints, created to replicate the conditions of my mother's vision—retinopathy, metamorphopsia, and myodesopsias—reflect the complexity of these sensory landscapes.

I am deeply fascinated by the transformative power of colour and its emotional resonance. The vibrant cobalt blue featured in my work symbolises the profound impact of these sensory experiences on my family. Through techniques like macro photography, and the manipulation of tonality and texture, I invite viewers to engage with the unfamiliar and reconsider their perceptions. There is a deep and direct link between memories and synaesthesia, illustrated in a framed canvas replicating the walls in my parent’s first home. Using this memory as colour therapy, my father and I painted a model of his hip to reframe his trauma. My goal is to evoke introspection and empathy, highlighting the beauty and complexity of our shared human experiences.

Through these pieces, I celebrate the richness of visual and tactile interaction, aiming to illuminate what is alien, to you.