Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) unveiled its World Unseen exhibition in Kenya on December 3, 2024, marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Hosted in collaboration with the Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB) and the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), the exhibition will run until December 8, 2024, offering visitors an immersive and inclusive photographic experience.
This initiative follows the success of World Unseen at GITEX Morocco earlier this year, reaffirming Canon’s commitment to fostering inclusivity in the arts. By incorporating tactile elements, audio descriptions, soundscapes, and braille, the exhibition enables individuals of all visual abilities to engage with photography, breaking traditional barriers in the art form.
The exhibition was inaugurated at a media event attended by notable figures, including Honourable Bishop Emeritus Jackson Kosgei, Member of Parliament representing persons with disabilities; Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa; Samson Waweru, Executive Director of the Kenya Society for the Blind; and Dr. Charles Nzivo, CEO of the Kenya National Library Service.
In his speech, Honourable Bishop Emeritus Kosgei praised the initiative, emphasizing its transformative impact on the creative potential of individuals with disabilities. “Canon’s focus on inclusivity is inspiring. This exhibition sends a powerful message that inclusivity is at the heart of innovation,” he said.
The World Unseen exhibition aims to redefine how visually impaired individuals experience photography. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 2.2 billion people globally face some form of visual impairment. Canon’s initiative offers an accessible, multi-sensory approach to photography, enabling both sighted and visually impaired individuals to appreciate and create art.
Somesh Adukia highlighted the significance of the project: “By offering a sensory-rich experience, World Unseen changes how people engage with photography, making it a truly inclusive art form.”
The Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB) and the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) played crucial roles in the exhibition’s success. KSB, a pioneer in advocating for the visually impaired since 1956, lauded the collaboration as a step towards empowering their community. “This partnership has opened new avenues for creativity and self-expression,” said Samson Waweru, KSB’s Executive Director.
Dr. Charles Nzivo of KNLS echoed these sentiments: “World Unseen aligns with our vision of providing accessible educational opportunities. This exhibition proves that art knows no boundaries.”
The exhibition features works from acclaimed local and international photographers, including Nigerian photojournalist Yagazie Emezi, Kenyan wildlife photographer Paras Chandaria, and South African photojournalist Brent Stirton, among others. Their diverse collections, coupled with tactile and auditory enhancements, create an inclusive artistic journey.
Throughout the week, masterclasses led by Canon photographers Paras Chandaria, Peter Ndungu, and Georgina Goodwin will engage 15 participants with physical and visual impairments. These workshops aim to equip attendees with the skills to harness photography as a medium of self-expression and storytelling.
The program will conclude on December 8, 2024, with a vibrant showcase of participants’ works. Each participant will receive a printed copy of their photograph and a certificate of appreciation, celebrating their achievements and reinforcing the initiative’s mission of empowerment through art.
World Unseen is more than an exhibition, it is a movement to reshape how photography is experienced. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, including Canon’s PRISMAelevate XL software and Arizona printer series, the initiative supports tactile printing and braille signage, making art more accessible globally.
“At Canon, we believe technology should enable not limit creative expression,” said Adukia. “World Unseen embodies our commitment to accessibility, bridging divides, and unlocking new opportunities for storytelling.”
As Canon continues to expand World Unseen across Africa, the company remains steadfast in its mission to build an inclusive creative ecosystem, celebrating diversity and inspiring a brighter future for all.