The Prostate Gap – Virtual Exhibition

The power of photography has been employed to create a direct exploration and challenge to the public’s understanding of prostate cancer within the marginalised communities. This exhibition, The Prostate Gap, postponed last year at Central Library due to the Covid pandemic, has been transformed in to a virtual exhibition. It intends to provide an impetus for change. A change in public attitude towards the under represented sections of the population. Deliver narratives of experiences that can offer inspiration to others in their communities.

View the virtual exhibition via this youtube link: The Prostate Gap – Virtual Exhibition

The exhibition spotlights a diverse selection of prostate patients. They have provided truthful and accurate histories about the barriers and cultural obstacles that they have had to deal with on their prostate journeys. ‘The Prostate Gap’, has been inspired by the public reaction to Ian Smith’s earlier photographic work, Prostate Cancer Every Picture Tells a Story, (2018). The Prostate Gap has been created to raise awareness of prostate cancer in the minority groups, the marginalised population and the underrepresented.

The ‘Prostate Gap’, explores different genders identities that have been on/or associated with a prostate cancer journey. The project is greatly indebted to the volunteers that have come forward to represent their own communities and share their stories. Smith has met,  liaised with/discussed with and listened to a wide range of support groups from trans women, gay, BEM & African Caribbean, and, health care professionals in and around Manchester on his determined path to convey this informative and challenging body of work that provides a voice for the underrepresented groups.

His research uncovered many ‘Gaps’. Gaps in information, knowledge, and, experience. It must be remembered the ‘The Gap’ also affects Heterosexual relationships. The exhibition celebrates the work of the subjects that have extended their compassion to establish dedicated support groups, IE  Martin Wells’ ‘Out With Cancer’ to support primarily (but not exclusive) the  gay community around the North West, along with Steph Holmes who established Chrysalis to support Trans women and much more. Lynn Oddy also supports the trans women community around Manchester

Ian Smith has also published Adlington in the Age of Corona, which you may also like to watch. This short film celebrates a community project from his own village, Adlington, with photgraphic contributions from local residents.

#TheProstateGap