Giant inflatable sculpture aims to blow away prejudice

Created using body mapping technology, the work is based on 3D computer models produced by disabled actor and performer Matt Fraser.

For the next four weeks its towering form will dominate the courtyard outside 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, in Scunthorpe.

Produced as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad programme in Yorkshire and Humber by artist Simon Mckeown, it is one of the largest sculptures of its kind in the UK.

Simon, who is himself disabled, wants to change the way disabled people are represented in popular culture.

He said: “People are often embarrassed to look at people with disabilities and there is still a cultural taboo around disability which is a big issue in the UK.

“This is an opportunity to look, see and be fascinated by beautiful motions and bodies and break that taboo.

“Around 20 per cent of the population will, at some point in their life be identified as disabled, but still disabled people are not visible enough in our culture and on television – I want to change that.

“Disability is unique, an exciting part of the fabric of our society and Motion Disabled Unlimited is a chance see, without embarrassment the way people with disabilities use their bodies in sport and day to day life.”

Alongside the sculpture new video artwork is being shown of leading disabled athletes, including eleven times paralympic gold medallist Baroness Tani Grey-Thompson who was born with spina bifida, and GB sitting volleyball team members Anton Raimondo and Rob Richardson.

The works are part of a series of artworks and exhibitions using technologies normally used in the videogame and movie industry to record and map bodies and movements.

Coun John Briggs said: “People will not be able to miss this temporary addition to the Scunthorpe skyline.

“Simon Mckeown’s work tackles the portrayal of people with a disability head-on. He’s worked with some of the country’s top athletes and we’re privileged to have this thought-provoking exhibition in North Lincolnshire in the run up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”