The photographs are part of a larger project by the artist that aims to connect the sports stars to the ancient Greek athletic games and is designed to bring awareness to the para-athlete’s extraordinary achievements. Following the exhibition, the photo-panels will be displayed at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Spinal Injuries Unit.
Clare Newton says “I want to provoke a feeling of empowerment in my pictures. Each portrait is about a special person, who has achieved such incredible goals no matter what – it is important for us to recognise their achievements, because through recognition it also empowers us, influencing the way we think about ourselves. Through the champion’s success, which demonstrates possibilities, it therefore can encourage us to follow our dreams and so embrace the empowerment that our future could offer.”
The Para-athletes portrayed are:·
Claire Cashmore, swimmer – Psyche
Hannah Cockroft, MBE, wheelchair racer – Artemis
Vanessa Daobry, shot-putter – Eos
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, DBE, DL, wheelchair racer – Hera
Sophie Hahn – Paralympic athlete track & field – Flora
Helena Lucas MBE, sailor – Andromeda
Lee Pearson MBE, OBE, CBW, equestrian– Zeus
Aaron Phipps, wheelchair rugby – Apollo
