Exhibition looks 'beyond the diagnosis' of dementia

Friday, 15 May 2026 08:15

A powerful public photography exhibition aims to show a different side to a dementia diagnosis.

'Reframing Dementia' is a display of portraits of islanders who have all been diagnosed with the condition associated with the decline of brain function.

The nine people featured in the exhibition include former lecturers, hospitality workers, golfers, sailors, and business owners.

Among them are islanders who have travelled the world, represented Jersey at the Commonwealth Games, built boats, volunteered at Jersey Zoo, and even taken up diving and motorcycling in their 70s.

The exhibition wants to show that we can still enjoy active and socially connected lives after a diagnosis, when supported by family, friends and Dementia Jersey programmes.

One portrait subject, Lorraine, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2023, speaks openly in the exhibition about challenging misconceptions surrounding dementia.

“People are still scared of dementia. They assume I can’t talk, and I can tell when they are scared to talk to me. People don’t think I will understand them - but I do.”

Claudine Snape, CEO of Dementia Jersey, says although some tough realities exist, there is a stigma that needs to be challenged:

"Dementia is a progressive disease, so there will be a time when dementia will limit independence. But at the times that we've captured them, it's where they've been able to celebrate their quality of life with their family and their network."

The subjects have been captured by Channel Island photographers Paul Chambers, Sophie Darwin, Oliver Doran, Étienne Lainé and Natalie Mayer.

Natalie Mayer said: “This project is about people. I hope each photograph can be an act of witness and a way of saying: I see you and you matter”.

The display is open from 15 May - 7 June at ArtHouse Jersey's Capital House in St Helier before extending to the Royal Square from 25 May.

Entry is free and open to all.