Page 17 - Community Living 35-4

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Images subvert stereotypes and

convey power and visibility

he photos that Aron Hosie has Others show Boys in alpha male poses,
taken for the Down’s Syndrome with glamorous female models making
TAssociation anniversary are the viewer feel slightly uncomfortable at
welcome as a representation of high- the stereotypical male gaze, which
quality artwork that would not look out of represents women as sexual objects for
place in a glossy Sunday magazine, writes the pleasure of the male viewer.
Tracey Harding. The photos are provocative and
The colour prints stand out and demand thought provoking. They remind us
our attention, as Alex Boys is shown in the of the work of Robert Mapplethorpe,
photos as being in control and often in a whose black and white photos featured
position of power. an array of controversial subjects that
This subverts the idea of people challenged and invoked debate in the
with Down syndrome being powerless art world.
and unseen in our society, while also There is no doubt that Hosie has
leaving the observer of the photo to reach produced a series of photos that
their own conclusions as to how they encourage discussion about learning
address stereotypes about learning disabilities and representation in society, Boys is shown in alpha male
disability and the situations Alex has been and the presentation of these images in
placed in. an exhibition format is long overdue poses, with glamorous female
One photo of Alex sitting by a and necessary. n models making the viewer feel
car looking out at the sunset is
reminiscent of James Dean, shot with a Tracey Harding is Community Living’s arts slightly uncomfortable
Hollywood glamour. and film correspondent

www.cl-initiatives.co.uk Community Living Vol 35 No 4 | Summer 2022 17