Christopher Samuel

Current / Ongoing

Unseen

2019

Unseen was a series of photographic prints depicting areas of Blackpool that are inaccessible; be that physically, mentally, economically or culturally inaccessible. This series investigated everyday inaccessibility many people encounter on a daily basis. It takes audiences to places they might not think of as inaccessible or they might find solace in relating to the idea others find those places as inaccessible.

Photographs

Cripple

2019

Cripple explores the idea of idleness in the context of our reality in which disabled people have been pushed further to the margins of society as a direct consequence of austerity. The weaponisation of productivity under austerity means many view disabled people as lazy or idle and not deserving of help. Without support, however, their human rights are compromised, disabling them from participating in society and forcing them into a cycle of marginalisation.

Digital video

Welcome Inn

2019

Sleep-in Installation at Art B&B in Blackpool, which is a room for people to experience inaccessibility. I wanted to challenge the idea that when it comes to access, one size fits all and to create a conversation around accessibility. It was about designing a space that needs to be experienced to be understood, a slightly theatrical space, one that targets non-disabled people.

Installation

Artbnb.org

Photographs by Claire-Griffiths

Housing Crisis

2018

Tackles the laws surrounding independent housing for disabled people, cutbacks in care and laws around health and care. The UK government has since been making cuts to benefit programs that give financial support to people with disabilities who cannot work and provide for themselves financially.

Screen prints: Paper, Ink