Glimpse into daily struggles and triumphs of rare neurological condition in Highland photography exhibition
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A new photography exhibition in Inverness aims to raise awareness and shed light on the challenges faced by people who suffer from a rare neurological condition, SMART syndrome, which can affect people after radiation therapy.
‘Living with SMART’ is a collection of documentary photographs by Highland Culture Collective artist Evija Laivina, and flower images by Brandon Gunn, who suffers from SMART syndrome.
They invite the audience to delve into a visual narrative that unveils the resilience of individuals living with the condition.
In November 2006, a then 12-year-old Brandon was suffering from severe headaches after a family holiday in Spain and was later diagnosed with cancer.
He subsequently had brain surgery followed by a long road to recovery involving chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
A few years later, Brandon, then aged 17, tripped and fell, resulting in a stroke that led to the discovery of SMART syndrome – SMART stands for Stroke like Migraine Attacks after Radiation Therapy.
In 2018, Brandon was diagnosed with a new brain tumour and in December 2022, Brandon experienced another stroke which had an impact on his ability to speak and swallow. Each attack affects Brandon’s mobility, speech, memory and quality of life.
Living with SMART, runs from July 5-8 at Circus Artspace in Carsegate Road, explores the relationship between art and the experiences of those affected by this rare condition; Evija's documentary photographs provide a glimpse into the daily struggles, triumphs, and moments of vulnerability faced by individuals with SMART syndrome whilst it is said Brandon's poetic and ethereal flower images symbolise the universal language of hope.
Evija said: “Brandon and I met during the Headway Highland photo walks that I organised last year as part of the Highland Culture Collective project. After hearing his story, we wanted to share with a wider audience what it's like to live with a rare condition.
"Brandon once said that fighting SMART is more difficult than fighting cancer. The most difficult aspect of the condition is the uncertainty of the future.”
Lauren Hendry, project manager for the Highland Culture Collective, said: “We are so excited to see the exhibition which Evija and Brandon have created together.
"Living with SMART will be another example of the brilliant work the artists of the Highland Culture Collective have been doing over the last two years, working creatively and collaboratively with people across the region. The Scottish Government funding has enabled our artists-in-residence to work with diverse communities, such as our collaboration with Headway Highland through which Evija and Brandon first met, and where Evija supported participants with acquired brain injuries to express themselves through photography.
“This exhibition wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Circus Artspace – we are extremely thankful for their help, and are proud to exhibit work in a space shared by many of the Highland’s most talented contemporary artists.”
The exhibition, which has been organised by the Highland Culture Collective, is open to the public between noon – 4pm, with a closing event at 2pm on July 8.
