Look Me In The Eye

Richard Grassick

An exploration of the life of a paraplegic, 1988, developed during Amber’s North Shields residency, shown in Side Gallery’s contemporary issue-based NOW exhibition series.

The project was developed in collaboration with Steve Burns, paralysed from the waist down after a minor accident at work. It shows him at work and play. ‘I’ve played pool,’ Burns told Grassick, ‘and I’ve beaten people and they’ve gone away and I’ve heard them say: “Bloody hell! Getting beaten by a gimp!” Because you’ve got a disability, you shouldn’t be beating an able-bodied person. It’s their pride, like they can’t stand being beaten by a woman either.’

Texts by Kitty Fitzgerald from an interview with Steve Burns

All images © Richard Grassick

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