Students at the Siloe School for the Blind, South Africa
January, 2006 - In medical illustration, a person with a genetic disorder is presented as a set of symptoms, but the rest of his or her life may be under-photographed and otherwise hidden from the public. The consequence of this imbalance is a kind of cumulative culturally demoralizing impression that genetic variation is a terrible doom. The difficulties of living with genetic disease do not need to be culturally exacerbated, so it is welcome to find pioneers using art and science to celebrate genetic diversity as a virtue. Starting with perceptions of albinism in different cultures, the Positive Exposure organization now is collaborating with individuals living with genetic differences internationally. Photographer Rick Guidotti and codirector Diane McLean, who have led the nonprofit organization for seven years, visit these people wherever they live to generate beautiful portraits and human stories, which they then use to challenge any stigma associated with difference. Anyone who has ever been photographed by someone they love, by a professional photographer or by a paparrazo seeking an unflattering image knows how just how the attitude of the photographer can influence the way the subject appears in the portrait. Judging from the large number of grateful letters the project has received, Positive Exposure is a most welcome boost for the dignity of people who are conspicuous for their difference.
