Un Scene: Brockville art exhibit challenges biases through lens of vulnerability
The Brockville Public Library (BPL) is hosting a thought-provoking art exhibit with the hope of encouraging those in the community to challenge their biases and broaden their perspectives.
‘Un Scene’, which was unveiled to the public on Nov. 21, showcases photography and artwork inspired by and created by the most vulnerable in Brockville’s community. This exhibit was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund via the Brockville Community Foundation.
The ambition behind the exhibition, created in collaboration with local photographer Paris Escandón, was to have visitors leave with a new perception of those facing challenges such as mental health struggles, addiction, food insecurity and homelessness.
“Through this artwork, we are invited to see these resilient members of our community through a new lens,” the library stated. “All participants have graciously consented to having their photographs taken and displayed as part of this event.”
When speaking with Brockvilleist, Escandón shared, “I personally consider myself a minority; I’m a legally blind photographer and I feel the obligation to help others have their voice heard too.”
Paris Escandón, originally from Mexico City, overcame the challenges of legal blindness caused by kidney disease to build a dynamic career in media and the creative arts. After receiving a kidney transplant at age 23, he launched his career as a television host and producer in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico, despite his visual impairment. Using adaptive equipment to aid with his impairment, Escandón produced and directed multiple television shows and later co-founded a company focused on video and photography for social causes.
In 2007, Escandón moved to Canada, becoming a stay-at-home dad while continuing to advance his skills in film, video editing and design. He moved to Brockville in 2020 and has since integrated himself into the community. The photographer believes Brockville is a good location for an exhibit of this nature because he feels there’s a need to have more artistic and creative spaces. He also noted there is an ongoing array of social issues within the city that need to be recognized and resolved.
Escandón explained, “After the library read my bio and saw my work on my website, they invited me to collaborate on this project where they wanted to photograph some of the people that have found a safe space in the library.” He continued, “This project has also allowed me to meet people from the community who I otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to. I’m really thankful to the library for having given me the opportunity.”
For Escandón, photography is more than just a passion. It is a way for him to see the world around him and influence the way others see it as well.
“My idea was to place disadvantaged individuals in front of the viewer as if you sat across them, placing them in a different context to what we’re used to, and to photograph them in the way you would photograph artists and politicians”
The ‘Un Scene’ exhibit will be available at the Brockville Public Library until the end of December. More of Escandón’s work can be viewed on his website: https://parisescandon.myportfolio.com/
Photos via Paris Escandón website