Page 16 - Community Living 35-4

eugenics

Taking the driver’s seat for himself

Photographer Aron Hosie talks about letting Alex Boys ‘work his magic’ to create provocative
images tinged with some Hollywood glamour for an exhibition to celebrate the Down’s
Syndrome Association’s 50th anniversary

was very honoured to be asked The Idea was to inject a dose of where old ideas and stigmas are slowly
to create a series of images for glamour, a provocative edge and a nod to being torn apart around race, ethnicity
I this exhibition. the worlds of fashion and Hollywood into and minority groups.
the photos. Mix this with a few props and I like the idea of challenging how we see
a couple of story Down syndrome and trying to push those
ideas, and let Alex boundaries. Having spent time working
work his magic. with Alex and getting to know him
The result underlined just how much he had to give
hopefully, is a set of and offer to this project.
images that put a Being put in front of a camera and
smile on your face asked to act a certain way when people
and raise an are stood watching you is no mean feat.
eyebrow at the Yet for Alex it seemed like the most
same time. Possibly natural thing in the world to do.
even raise a There were no boundaries or obstacles
question or two. because of Alex’s Down’s syndrome.
We live in a time There was just Alex, his energy, his
where inclusivity is enthusiasm, his professionalism and his
at the forefront of amazing personality. n
social thinking, l aronhosie.com
l The Memories and Stories exhibition
(https://tinyurl.com/2exman69) looks
Alex Boys told back over the last 50 years and towards
Community Living: the future through intimate and powerful
“I really enjoyed doing portraits of people of all ages who have Aron Hosie/aronhosie.com/images reproduced under licence
the photoshoots, it
was great fun. I hope Down’s syndrome.
that my photos will The display can be seen during an open
make people smile day at the Langdon Down Centre in
and that they will see Teddington, London, on 3 September. If
me and not the you wish to attend, please email info@
Down’s syndrome” downs-syndrome.org.uk.
16 Vol 35 No 4 | Summer 2022 Community Living www.cl-initiatives.co.uk