Adam Pearson Portrait

Sculpted from photographs and measurements. On the surface it may seem that appearance is equated with success. However, representations of beauty, appearance and disfigurement are conditional. In the UK today, over 540,000 people have a facial disfigurement; many are stigmatised and discriminated against. Perceptions need to change so that people with a disfigurement are valued as equal - and art can be a powerful tool to inspire such change. Adam has Neurofibromatosis Type 1, a genetic condition that causes excess body tissue to grow predominantly on his face. After hearing his story, and developing a friendship with Adam I felt inspired by his positive attitude, bravery and determination to break down barriers regarding how people with a disfigurement are viewed and treated. In my portrait I was determined to capture these qualities and show him as an individual.