Asbestos Action Art Exhibition: Capturing Life
In this account of the hosting of our unique art exhibition on May 9, 2024 at Chamber East in Dundee, we present brief details of the evolution of the project and some key phrases from speeches made on the day. (For a full grasp of what was achieved please view our video, the link to which can be found at the end of this article.)
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Ten original portraits by Craig Semple had been created during the previous 15 months; they had a common theme: each of the subjects painted had been exposed to asbestos.
The paintings which were unveiled at the event, with agreement from each of the subjects and their families, collectively demonstrate how asbestos has affected so many lives for so long across Scotland.
It was an incredibly poignant day which served to highlight that people are much more than their diagnoses.
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Our General Manager, Dianne Foster, gave a warm welcome to the 100 people in attendance including friends and families of those featured in the portraits. In a thoughtful address, her remarks stressed the humanity underlying her work within the group:
“… I’m not going to say very much today because this isn’t really about me, it’s about these portraits and why we’ve done them.
… I’ve worked for the charity for ten years and there’s a mantra that I have continued to repeat: there are real people behind these diseases.
… I was absolutely delighted when Craig approached us with this idea because it meant that that message is now being shown today in a visual way.
… Every single person who is diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition has a life, has a family, has friends, and it is a very unfair situation that people have been exposed to asbestos.
… [On asbestos disease:] It hasn’t gone away, we are still dealing with it on a day-to-day basis and we’ve had an increase in women coming through with, sadly, the most serious condition: mesothelioma.”
In her speech, Bailie Helen Wright, who represented the Lord Provost, provided civic endorsement for the work of Asbestos Action in the community:
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“… It’s an honour for me to be here today representing the people of Dundee and the Lord Provost.
… I’d like to take this opportunity to commemorate Asbestos Action on your remarkable journey over the past 22 years.
… Your charity has been the first source of support and hope for so many people affected by the devastating consequences of asbestos exposure.
… I’d also like to express my sincere appreciation to Digby Brown for their unwavering support of Asbestos Action and their tireless advocacy for the sufferers here and across the country.
… Their work together goes far in achieving the justice and compassion that we expect our society to uphold.
… Today, as we gather to celebrate in honour of these individuals and their families behind the paintings, let us not only admire their strength and dignity, but also reaffirm our commitment to standing with them always.”
Finally, we were honoured to hear from Craig Semple whose own family has been impacted by asbestos-related illness.
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He spoke about the inspiration behind the project:
“… I’ve been involved with the charity Asbestos Action for over 20 years now … I have worked with Digby Brown for many years … I know the devastation that exposure to asbestos has created.
… However, little did I know an off-the-cuff remark from my wife between Christmas and New Year 2022 would start this journey.
… I started doing a painting and decided to draw a man. He was an interesting man … He looked like he’d seen a lot of life.
… As I was drawing, or maybe just started doing the painting, my wife remarked: ‘He resembles my dad’[Kenny].
… Kenny had died the year before and had been exposed to asbestos [as had his brothers].
… [The idea] just popped in. Maybe I should do some paintings.
… I went to Dianne and she loved the idea … Ten portraits, ten families, ten stories.
… I know everybody says ‘let’s talk about the artist’ but this isn’t about me. This is about telling a story through ten images.”
Following his speech, Craig then unveiled his portraits assisted by staff from Asbestos Action and Digby Brown.
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We'd like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who attended our very special event and to Digby Brown for their sponsorship and support of this meaningful project.
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For a full appreciation of our event, including close-up views of all the portraits please view our 12 min video: Asbestos Action Art Exhibition on YouTube
The exhibition was further acknowledged by STV and The Courier
July 16, 2024
