A DEMENTIA photography exhibition aims to offer a different perspective on the disease that rather than portraying loss and decline, showcases individuality, connection, resilience and joy.
The free exhibition Reframing Dementia will be taking place at two locations in St Helier, ArtHouse Jersey at Capital House from 15 May and the Royal Square from 25 May, both running until 7 June.
It will bring together a series of “powerful and deeply human” portraits of nine Islanders living with the illness, who have worked in a variety of different careers including as journalists, electricians, accountants, brewers, pharmacy assistants and lecturers.
Their portraits have been taken by five Channel Island photographers Paul Chambers, Sophie Darwin, Oliver Doran, Étienne Lainé and Natalie Mayer, who each photographer will each bring a “distinct visual approach”.
However, all the photographers share a “commitment to dignity, collaboration and authenticity”, in challenging the audiences to “look beyond the diagnosis and encounter each person as a whole”.
For example, they aim to show the people behind the dementia patients who have built their own boats, travelled the world, run businesses, taken up diving in their 70s and been jet-skiing in their 80s.
There will be no ticketing or booking required for people to view the exhibition that will be held both inside and outside to welcome intentional visitors as well as those passing by to “pause reflect and engage”.
James Tyson, head of programme at ArtHouse Jersey, said: “These portraits offer
a powerful reminder that a diagnosis does not define a person, that identity, humour,
relationships and creativity remain.
“By bringing this work into public spaces, we hope to create moments of connection and reflection, and to gently shift how dementia is seen and understood within our community. It’s about making space for empathy, recognition and a more hopeful, human narrative.”
Claudine Snape, chief executive of Dementia Jersey, said: “For many people, a diagnosis of
dementia can feel overwhelming, shaped by fear and misunderstanding. This exhibition
offers powerful reassurance.
“It shows that life does not stop at diagnosis, and that people continue to be themselves: connected, capable, and full of meaning. We hope it encourages anyone affected by dementia, and those around them, to feel less alone and more confident about reaching out for support.”
