Exhibition uncovers the invisible symptoms of multiple sclerosis

The Seeing MS photographic exhibition at Deakin's Geelong Waterfront campus aims to expose the invisible symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and mark World MS Day.

Launched today with a morning tea, the exhibition features nine stunning images that highlight some of the invisible symptoms of the disease.

The exhibition has toured throughout Sydney and Melbourne over the past 12 months. It was brought to Geelong through a partnership between MS, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Deakin University. The three organisations share a common goal to promote inclusion and understanding about disability in the Geelong community.

The artworks were created by nine internationally-renowned commercial photographers who were each paired with a person who is living with multiple sclerosis.

Each person described an invisible symptom of their illness and worked with the photographer to create a single image that depicted their daily struggles with dizziness, numbness, spasticity, pain, loss of balance, blurred vision, brain fog, changes in body temperature, and fatigue.

Professor Susan Balandin, Inaugural Chair in Disability and Inclusion at Deakin University, explains that hosting the exhibition is a wonderful way to encourage understanding.

"This exhibition uses an innovative medium for promoting understanding of a condition that may not be obvious, but nevertheless has a high impact on those who live with MS and their families."

"Deakin University is delighted to have the opportunity to assist in raising community awareness about a disability that often is poorly understood" said Professor Balandin.

Shea Shelton, Marketing Communications Manager at MS, said there has been a fantastic response from the community over the past 12 months.

"We've watched the Seeing MS campaign help people affected by the disease to secure the understanding they need from their employer, friends and family.  We want to keep the momentum going and raise greater awareness and understanding of multiple sclerosis in the Geelong community."

"We're so grateful that our partners at the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Deakin University have provided this opportunity to share the Seeing MS exhibition with Geelong — particularly to mark World MS Day," Mrs Shelton said.

"The NDIA is committed to build community awareness around MS and help create opportunities for people with disability to access and participate in the community," explained an NDIA spokesperson.

"Each year, the NDIA Barwon trial site aims to educate people about six different disabilities, including the invisible nature of MS, with community activities like this photographic exhibition."

Seeing MS exhibition

Venue: Waterfront Kitchen, Deakin University, Western Beach Road, Geelong
Dates: 25 May - 1 June
Times: 7am – 5pm, Monday to Friday and 8am – 3pm, Saturday and Sunday
Cost: Free entry
Featured photographers: Sara Orme, Jamie MacFadyen, Andreas Smetana, Matt Hoyle, Toby Burrows, Nicholas Walton-Healey, Juliet Taylor, Garth Oriander, Gerry Hanan and Louis Petruccelli