Human Rights in Neon Lights

Date: Exhibition runs until 29 November
Where: Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery – Shropshire Museums​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Gallery opening times: 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Free Admission, with donations encouraged to support the Museums work.

The exhibition showcases a striking collection of nine neon artworks featuring slogans that were used by pivotal disability rights movements during the 1980s and 1990s and those that reflect the artist’s personal experience.

The slogans are presented in bright neon and are drawn from the artist’s work in the disability rights campaigns and demonstrations during the 1980s and 90s. During this period Partington campaigned alongside other major artists, performers and members of the wider disabled community for social justice issues affecting disabled communities.

Slogans include “Access Now” and “Disability Pride” which serves as rallying cry for systemic change, while “Love Not Pity” challenges societal perceptions and stereotypes. These powerful messages are a testament to the resilience and advocacy of disabled activists and the power of art as a catalyst for change.

The neon slogans bring Partington’s lived experiences and over three decades of advocacy in disability arts to this powerful exhibition. The exhibition is funded by Arts Council England.

Read more on the Shropshire Council website.

Zoe Partington commented:

“Art has the power to challenge perceptions and inspire change. I hope this exhibition will spark conversations and encourage visitors to see the world through a different lens. I have worked in the arts sector all over the world, and I’m so pleased that I’ve now been able to showcase my work in my home county of Shropshire.”​​​​​​​