As technology continues to advance, the artistic world becomes more inclusive and accessible for visually impaired artists. These innovative tools and platforms empower artists to express their creativity and showcase their talents to a diverse audience.
5 innovative ways art is becoming more accessible to the blind community
Art is a universal medium of expression, bridging gaps across language, time and culture.
But galleries and museums aren’t always accessible to everyone, often excluding blind people and those with low vision from truly experiencing the art world. With about 285 million blind or visually impaired people in the world, that’s a sizable part of the global population being left out.
But innovations — both simple and high-tech — are making the art world even more inclusive.
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Many blind people and those with low vision have experienced art through audio descriptions of pieces, whether it’s recorded commentary from museums or explanations from friends in real time. But this can prevent them from interpreting pieces of art for themselves.
Luckily advocates have developed new solutions, creating tactile ways for art lovers to substitute touch for sight.
Here are just a few ways art is becoming more accessible for blind and low-vision communities around the world.
1. 3D printing of fine art
Credit: 3d Printworks
3D printing is making art more accessible by creating touchable versions of art — especially famous pieces. Blind people and those with low vision, some of whom have never viewed works like the Mona Lisa or The Scream, can now feel their way through these iconic works.
One company at the forefront is 3D Photoworks, which makes tactile versions of historic paintings and modern photography through 3D printing. The pieces made by 3D Photoworks also feature sensors, which activate audio descriptions of the work as a person feels around the piece.
3D Printworks has brought its inclusive art to museums around the country, but it wants to eventually provide accessible options for art lovers who can’t see in all 35,000 museums across North America.
Incorporating Braille into visual art
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Including Braille in traditional forms of art is one way to make pieces more accessible, while also celebrating Blind culture. And one particular artist has paved the way for this innovative technique.
New York-based artist Roy Nachum creates what he calls “visual art for the visually impaired.” His work is undeniably gorgeous at first glance, even serving as the cover art for Rihanna’s album, Anti. But for those who can’t see Nachum’s eye-catching visuals, the art has a different layer of artistic appeal — poetic writings embossed on the artwork’s surface in Braille.
To highlight the tactile importance of his work, Nachum also lightly covers his art in ash, which leaves fingerprint marks on the work as a person reads the Braille messages. The prints left behind act as a type of documentation of human contact with his work.
Nachum’s innovative form of interactive art allows everyone to experience the same art in different — yet equally powerful — ways.
Tactile Art
Tactile art as a medium for visually impaired artists
If you are a visually impaired artist or someone interested in art, you might be wondering what mediums are available for expressing your creativity. Tactile art is a wonderful option that allows visually impaired artists to engage with their senses in a unique and meaningful way. It relies on touch, texture, and three-dimensional elements to create an immersive artistic experience.
Unlike traditional visual art, tactile art is created with the intention of being touched and explored. It allows visually impaired artists to communicate their ideas and emotions through the use of different textures, shapes, and materials. By engaging with the artwork through touch, both the artist and the viewer can experience a deeper connection and understanding of the piece.
Techniques and materials used in creating tactile art
Tactile art encompasses a wide range of techniques and materials that can be used to create captivating and meaningful artwork. Some common techniques include:
- Relief Sculpture: This technique involves creating a three-dimensional artwork that can be explored through touch. Artists can use various materials such as clay, wood, or metal to build up the sculpture and add texture.
- Textured Painting: Instead of relying solely on visual elements, visually impaired artists can use textured paints and other materials to add depth and tactile elements to their paintings.
- Collage and Mixed Media: Tactile art can also involve the use of different materials and textures to create collages or mixed media pieces. Artists can incorporate fabrics, papers, buttons, and other objects to create a dynamic and interactive artwork.
By embracing tactile art, visually impaired artists can fully express their creativity and share their unique perspective with the world. It not only allows for personal expression but also encourages inclusivity and accessibility in the art world. So, don’t hesitate to explore this wonderful artistic medium and let your creativity shine!
Sound Art
Exploring sound as an artistic medium for visually impaired artists
Are you an artist who is visually impaired? While traditional art forms heavily rely on visual elements, there are various artistic mediums that can be explored by visually impaired artists, and one of them is sound art.
Sound art is a form of artistic expression that utilizes sound as its primary medium. It allows visually impaired artists to create art that can be experienced and appreciated through the sense of hearing, breaking the barriers imposed by sight.
Innovative ways of creating sound art
So, how can visually impaired artists create sound art? Here are some innovative approaches to consider:
- Field Recordings: Artists can capture sounds from their surroundings, such as nature, urban environments, or even everyday objects. These recordings can be manipulated, layered, and arranged to create unique compositions.
- Musical Instruments: Many visually impaired artists have excelled in playing musical instruments. By exploring different instruments and techniques, artists can create their own melodies, harmonies, and rhythms to convey emotions and stories.
- Spoken Word: Utilizing spoken word or poetry can be a powerful way for visually impaired artists to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The rhythmic and melodic qualities of spoken word can add depth and creativity to their art.
- Interactive Installations: Visual impairment doesn’t have to limit an artist’s ability to engage with their audience. Creating interactive sound installations allows participants to interact with sound sculptures, objects, or spaces, creating an immersive and multi-sensory experience.
By exploring these innovative approaches, visually impaired artists can challenge societal expectations and showcase their unique perspectives through the expressive medium of sound art. It celebrates their creativity and ability to communicate and connect with others on a deeper level.
Note: This article contains a mix of original content and freely available information from external sources.
Multisensory Art
If you have ever wondered how visually impaired artists create art, you might be surprised to learn about the fascinating world of multisensory art.
Combining different sensory mediums for visually impaired artists
Visually impaired artists use a variety of mediums to express their artistic visions. Through the integration of touch, sound, and smell, they are able to create unique and captivating pieces of art. Some common techniques include:
- Tactile Art: Artists use different textures, materials, and objects to create a tactile experience. This allows visually impaired individuals to explore and appreciate the art through touch.
- Audio Art: Sound is used as a medium to convey artistic ideas. This can include spoken word poetry, music, or even sound installations that create an immersive experience.
- Scented Art: Artists incorporate scents into their artwork, enhancing the sensory experience. By using different fragrances, they can evoke emotions and memories in both visually impaired and sighted individuals.
Examples of multisensory art and its impact
Multisensory art has a profound impact on both the artists and the audience. It allows visually impaired artists to express themselves creatively and engage with their surroundings in a unique way. Here are a few examples:
- Tactile Sculptures: Artists create sculptures with different textures and shapes that can be explored through touch. These sculptures not only appeal to visually impaired individuals but also offer a new perspective for sighted individuals.
- Audiovisual Installations: Artists combine audio and visual elements to create immersive installations. These installations can include projections, sounds, and interactive elements that engage multiple senses simultaneously.
- Scented Paintings: Artists incorporate scents into their paintings, adding another layer of depth to the artwork. The scents enhance the emotional impact and allow the viewer to experience the art in a more holistic way.
Multisensory art challenges traditional notions of visual art and opens up new possibilities for artistic expression. It celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and the power of the human senses. So next time you encounter a piece of multisensory art, take a moment to truly immerse yourself in the experience and marvel at the artist’s creativity.
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Tapestry 17:15 Making visual art for people who are blind
This story was originally published on September 27, 2019.
Taylor Katzel stands in front of a portrait at the Art Gallery of Ontario, in downtown Toronto.
He reaches out and begins exploring with his hands.
“He’s got quite the chin happening here … major cleft … and some nice lips . big nose . “
The piece is a 3D recreation of the Portrait of Dr. Heinrich Stadelmann, a grotesque caricature by German painter Otto Dix. The recreation is a work of inclusive design, a design paradigm that aims to make objects and spaces accessible to people of diverse levels of ability.
Katzel is legally blind, with partial vision, and this 3D interpretation gives him access to a piece he would otherwise have difficulty appreciating.
His hands reach the portrait’s ears.
“It’s cool how there [are] moments of comedy in this. Like I can feel his ear hair, right now, which brought a smile to my face.”
Artwork for the blind
4 years ago
Duration 3:29
Featured Video Taylor Katzel, a high-partial legally blind individual, experiences a multi-sensory tour for the first time at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Katzel has long been interested in the arts, but he wasn’t always vision impaired.
“Growing up, I had full vision. And I was a really artsy kid.”
After high school he went to the Ontario College of Art and Design University. While there, he decided on his path forward: he wanted to be a visual arts teacher.
But the summer before teacher’s college — while also employed as a graphic designer — he started having trouble with his vision.
The physical challenge brought with it an identity crisis.
“It was particularly hard because I had built this identity as a visual artist. And my way of thinking led me to believe that having vision was a prerequisite to that.”
But ultimately, he found that wasn’t the case at all. His degrading vision forced him to adapt and find new means of artistic expression. His approach and style began to evolve.
When he couldn’t see the lines for his drawing assignments, he shifted to thick markers.
When he was no longer able to use one medium, he’d find another.
“So maybe I would use something tactile, instead of paints, maybe I would use clay.”
Vision loss gave Katzel new a new perspective on visual art.
Standing in front of the three-dimensional Portrait of Dr. Heinrich Stadelmann, Katzel explained that inclusive design could bring new perspectives to everyone who enjoys art, not just those with disabilities.
Translating a painting into a sculpture brings a new dimension to the artwork that everyone can explore.
“By using different mediums and taking the same idea and representing it different ways, it unlocks meaning and it creates a more complete puzzle.”
That’s why Katzel wants to see more inclusive design brought to the art world: to give access to people with disabilities and to deepen the artistic experience for everyone.
