INTRODUCTION
Troughout history, disability has always been a subject that society tried to avoid at all costs, always
wanting to adress itself to « ordinary people » and to act like physical differences did not exist.
Thankfully, arts, in various ways, allow us to delve deeper into the feelings and perception of disabled
individuals.
Thus, a question about the link between disability and arts arises : how do arts examine the various
visual disabilities and differences that they embody ?
For this synthesis, we will study 4 documents. The first document is a painting painted by Jusepe de
Ribera untitied « The Bearded Woman», the second document is a painting painted by Lavinia
Fontana untitled « Antoinetta Gonzalez», the third document is a movie directed by David Lynch
untitled « The Elephant Man » and the fourth document is an interview of the actor Mat Fraser on his
experience with the series American Horror Story Freak Show.
In order to answer the question, we will first examine the representation of disability in arts, then we
will study the perspective that arts provide us on disability.
PART 1 : REPRÉSENTATION OF DISABILITY IN ARTS
First of all, arts allow us to be aware that there are individuals that are dealing with disability in our
society, when those people are usually outcasted and excluded. They give them representation and
allow them to know that they do exist are that they are accepted.
For instance, the interview of Mat Fraser and his deep desire to be considered like every other person
with his acting on the show American Horror Story Freak Show demonstrates how disability is
represented in the world of cinematography today.
Also, « The Elephant Man » supports this idea as it makes us navigate through the journey of John
Merrick, a man with physical disabilities.
Furthermore, the two paintings « The Bearded Woman» and « Antoinetta Gonzalez » are interesting s
they give women with physical disabilities linked to hair representation in the seventeenth century.
PART 2 : PERSPECTIVE THAT ARTS PROVIDE US ON DISABILITY
Then, arts also enable us to understand that individuals with disability live the world in a different lense
as us, using various artistic mechanics, and provides us with their perspective on life.
This is best shown in « The Elephant Man » as we have the opportunity to deeply connect and
understand this man that is in a constant state of suffering during his life. This is supported by the use
of loud and creepy music to give us a glimpse on the mental state of John Merrick or by the fact that
art is often hard to understand what he is saying because of his disability, which makes the viewer
more focused every time Merrick speaks. However, this point could be nuanced by the two paintings
where they only give us a portrait of the disabled individuals they portray, and not a dive into their
mind.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the examination of disability in art offers valuable insights into the lives and perspectives
of individuals with disabilities. Through various artistic mediums, such as painting, cinema, and
interviews, we gain awareness of their existence and experiences. Art serves as a platform for
representation and provides a lens through which we can understand the unique perspectives and
challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Overall, it encourages us to challenge societal norms
and foster a more inclusive and understanding society.
