Renowned Photographer Explores the Beauty of Genetic Difference

Rick Guidotti: "Those affected by genetic differences...are human
beings who deserve a social identity that transcends disease.”

WCMC-Q recently hosted a renowned photographer who has shifted his talents from mainstream fashion in New York City to the beauty of differences among people with genetic conditions. Rick Guidotti spoke about his work and mission to focus on the shared humanity that is often overshadowed by emphasis on disease.

“We live in a time where we are lucky to decode the relationship between genes and disease,” Guidotti said, “yet we have to remember that those affected by genetic differences are more than this relationship—they are human beings who deserve a social identity that transcends disease.”

Guidotti’s work is not only an attempt to showcase the beauty of differences among human beings, but also a call to the medical community to reconsider how individuals are portrayed in medical images. These images to date tend to focus strictly on the disease of the patient and not on the whole person—a practice that Guidotti describes as dehumanizing and dispiriting.

“Because doctors are trying to prevent disease, they tend to focus almost completely on the maladies alone, even though they are just a small part of a vibrant person’s life,” Guidotti said. “My hope is that by highlighting the beautiful diversity among those affected by genetic disorders, the medical community and society at large will shift focus to the shared humanity of patients, which will improve the self-perception and quality of life for countless individuals.”

Guidotti brings his message of the beauty of
difference among human beings to WCMC-Q.

Guidotti’s organization, Positive Exposure, is behind self-esteem photographic and interview workshops as well as diversity workshops and portable, sustainable educational and human rights programs. Additionally, Guidotti has developed a lecture series and multimedia exhibitions targeting physicians, nurses, genetic counselors, health care professionals-in-training, universities, elementary and secondary schools, legislators and the general public.

“Positive Exposure, The Spirit of Difference” premiered at the People’s Genome Celebration, June 2001, at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC. It continues to exhibit in galleries, museums and public arenas internationally.

Currently, Positive Exposure is the subject of an international documentary by award-winning Kartemquin Films.

For more information, please visit the Positive Exposure website: www.positiveexposure.org

Report by Emily Alp