Michael

Michael is my brother-in-law and has Down Syndrome. Is it possible to challenge the pre-conceived notions we have about an individual with such a recognizable disability? In these portraits Michael wears his own clothing and plays no role for the camera. He simply poses as I demonstrate and looks to where I point. He has no agenda and no sense of self that he feels compelled to project. His Superman outfit is the contemporary equivalent of the kinds of fashionable dress worn by aristocrats in portraits from centuries ago, and happens to be his favorite article of clothing. By appropriating methods of representation utilized throughout the history of art, can we change pre-conceived notions regarding Michael without changing Michael.