Toronto-based photographer Brenda Spielmann aims to challenge the ableist attitudes toward para-athletes
Art has always been eager to celebrate the strength, grace and beauty of athleticism, from ancient Roman statues of discus throwers to posters of Michael Jordan soaring to the basket, ball in hand.beginning on Aug. 28 in Paris, Toronto-based photographer Brenda Spielmann has created a series of images portraying the dynamism of para-athletes and questioning why they are so often excluded from aesthetic representation.
The Globe and Mail’s Dave McGinn spoke to Ms. Spielmann about the project, challenging ableist attitudes and seeing the beauty of para-athletes.There’s a very close relationship between athletics and aesthetics – That was the idea, I wanted to bring beauty to it. So much of my work has always been about breaking down the preconceived notions of disability.It’s always like they’re superheroes – how inspirational, how brave of them that they can go and do this. The ableist attitude is very much like that. It’s either pity, feeling sorry, or seeing them immediately as inspirational as opposed to people first. You know, as athletes first.
He started in wheelchair racing, and then he had tried wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis. Now he’s into archery.There was a training camp for Canadian athletes – they would all go to Florida to train because of the weather. My son was going, and I was going with him to help. I just asked them, hey, I want a photo. And they were so keen, you know, to be seen and be part of it. They were totally into it.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Paris 2024 paralympic village readies for para athletes' imminent arrivalParalympic athletes from around the world will soon gather at the Paralympic Village, a sprawling site set to host 180 delegations and 4,400 athletes during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Read more »
Paralympic Games in Paris will stand out for veteran goalball captain Amy BurkPARIS — Amy Burk doesn't know if her fifth Paralympic Games will be her last, but she does know Paris will feel monumental to her. Her sons Lucas, 10, and five-year-old Ryan have albinism and visual impairment as she does.
Read more »
Paralympic Games in Paris will stand out for veteran goalball captain Amy BurkPARIS — Amy Burk doesn't know if her fifth Paralympic Games will be her last, but she does know Paris will feel monumental to her. Her sons Lucas, 10, and five-year-old Ryan have albinism and visual impairment as she does.
Read more »
Paralympic Games in Paris will stand out for veteran goalball captain Amy BurkPARIS — Amy Burk doesn't know if her fifth Paralympic Games will be her last, but she does know Paris will feel monumental to her. Her sons Lucas, 10, and five-year-old Ryan have albinism and visual impairment as she does.
Read more »
Canadian Paralympic teams traveling a redemptive arc into Paris GamesRIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - SEPTEMBER 15: Danielle Ellis of Canada spikes the ball in sitting volleyball women's 7-8 classification match 13 on day 8 of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games at the Rio centro - pavilion 6 on September 15, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Read more »
Male Sprinter Will Compete Against Females in Paralympic GamesSports scientist Professor Ross Tucker: 'And the only conclusion you can then draw is that the person still has male advantage even when their testosterone is lower.'
Read more »