Photographer = Grant Anderson
Design and Disability
Kirsty Stevens, visual artist and designer, said: “When I was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, I never imagined that almost 20 years later this would lead to my work being featured in a major V&A exhibition.
“My MRI scans show me how MS has damaged my brain, and from that I’ve made jewellery and textiles, and am now focusing on intricate drawings created from multiple layers of waxed paper, representing how my treatment team look at my brain in layers to understand what is happening to it over time.
“It’s a joy to be included in Design and Disability at V&A Dundee and to share my MS experience alongside hundreds of incredible examples of design by and for Disabled, Deaf and neurodivergent people.”
‘Findings’ by Kirsty Stevens (Charcot)
Photographer = Grant Anderson
The Thread That Pulls
‘Bringing together artists and makers across disciplines, The Thread That Pulls explores the enduring nature of attention. Works in the exhibition might trace a long-held preoccupation with a place, material, or idea; reveal the repeated gesture of a hand in craft; or unravel a personal or collective narrative that refuses to be forgotten.’
I am thrilled to have had two of my layered drawings selected for this incredible exhibition, ‘Holding You Still’ and ‘CSF’, both inspired by the continuous pull of living with Multiple Sclerosis.
Photographer = Robin Mair
Life Lines
Life Lines is an exhibition bringing together artists affected by the long-term impacts of COVID-19, opening up their creative practice on an online platform, featuring work by Marion Boddy-Evans, Sasha Saben Callaghan, Kathryn Hanna, Kirsty Stevens, Gosia Walton, and collaborative duo Matilda Tumim and Chris Prendergast, curated by Fife Contemporary
Charcot X Foursticks Gallery Takeover
I was thrilled to be the first Artist in Residence at Foursticks Gallery to celebrate World MS Day 2024 and raise vital funds for MS Society Scotland. This saw me showing my latest MS inspired work along with work that started Charcot, a Charcot Retrospective if you will.
It also allowed me to share written pieces, one that was displayed and another I delivered in spoken word, which brought a fresh perspective to the viewers that have never experienced living with MS, or any other chronic illness. It opened the floor to great discussions about art, MS, how they interact and what the benefits of combining them are.
This truly was an incredible experience, which will be a pivotal moment for where I take Charcot next.
Thank you to everyone who attended, you made it unforgettable.
Love Kirsty x
