International photographic exhibition Intimate Encounters: Disability and Sexuality highlights that disability does not prevent or preclude sexuality.

The exhibition by Belinda Mason-Lovering, who last week received one of the prestigious Moran Photographic awards, is at the Whangarei Community Arts Centre until the end of March.

It challenges the myth in society that only the most glamorous, attractive and successful among us lead active, healthy and imaginative sex lives. International photographic exhibition Intimate Encounters: Disability and Sexuality highlights that disability does not prevent or preclude sexuality.

The exhibition by Belinda Mason-Lovering, who last week received one of the prestigious Moran Photographic awards, is at the Whangarei Community Arts Centre until the end of March.

It challenges the myth in society that only the most glamorous, attractive and successful among us lead active, healthy and imaginative sex lives.The subjects featured in each striking photograph possess physical disabilities and through the experience of being photographed, share their most intimate thoughts and feelings.

"This exhibition goes a long way to breaking down misconceptions about people with disabilities and sexuality" said Denise Beckwith, one of the models who not only exposed her body to Belinda, but also her soul and her most intimate emotions and feelings allowing Belinda to translate them into the beautiful image of 'The Mermaid'.

This internationally critically acclaimed exhibition which has toured New York, London, Barcelona and also Australia, will be on display at the Whangarei Community Arts Centre Building until the end of March and will then tour New Zealand.

Mason-Lovering traveled around Australia for over two years collecting images that reflect the personal emotional journey of people with disabilities by choosing to photograph the intangible - emotion. "The participants gave me such precious stories and trusted me to translate these thoughts and feelings carefully and tenderly onto images," explains Mason-Lovering.

Jenni Claris, President of DPA Northland stated that "People may feel somewhat confronted by nudity and the display of disability the vast majority of the viewers will find the show eye opening, inspirational and beautiful in its honest representation of the diversity of human sexuality."

Belinda Mason-Lovering and Denise Beckwith came to Whangarei from Sydney especially for the opening on 7 March, attended by more than a hundred people.

The opening was initialled by Tiaho Trust in association with DPA Northland and sponsored by Henderson Reeves Connell Rishworth Lawyers.

The exhibition is showing until the end of March at the Community Arts Centre in the Old Library, 7 Rust Ave. There will be a one off viewing of the exhibition on Saturday 29th March from 9am to 2pm for people who cannot view the exhibition during the week.

Tiaho Trust would appreciate hearing peoples' thoughts on the exhibition. You can fill out an evaluation form or the attendance book at the gallery or give feedback by adding a comment to this article by visiting www.tiaho.org.nz.

Feedback from the opening has been overwhelming with comments such as "One of the best and most thought provoking exhibitions I have ever seen", "Touching, moving and inspiring. Well done for leading out on such a beautiful exhibition", "A wonderful, insightful exhibition. The written stories beside the photos gave a good insight into the subjects, their life and challenges, highly recommended".

19/03/08