Medeyonmi Akran’s photographic projects, ‘Fragility’ and ‘Eyes That See,’ are not merely collections of images; they are profound visual essays that explore the intersections of vulnerability, identity, and perception. Through her lens, Akran, a woman and artist with partial vision, invites viewers to confront the fragility of existence—both physical and emotional—while challenging societal norms around care, inclusion, and sight. Her work resonates with the quiet power of artists like Sally Mann and Francesca Woodman, who also used photography to probe the depths of human experience, but Akran’s perspective is uniquely her own, shaped by her lived experiences as a woman and advocate for disability inclusion.
In Fragility, Medeyonmi Akran uses the metaphor of an egg to explore the dualities of strength and vulnerability. The series opens with ‘Fragile But Treat With Care,’ an image of two hands cradling an egg with deliberate tenderness. The composition is intimate, almost sacred, evoking the protective embrace of a womb. The egg, a universal symbol of life and potential, becomes a stand-in for the fragility of womanhood, disability, and the human condition. Akran’s choice to focus on hands—a recurring motif in her work—adds a tactile dimension to the image, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with handling something precious. This piece calls to mind the work of Imogen Cunningham, whose close-up studies of organic forms often carried a similar sense of reverence and fragility.
Yet, not all fragility is met with care, as Akran poignantly illustrates in ‘Fragile But Treat As You Like.’ Here, an egg is held loosely between two fingers, its precarious balance a visual metaphor for the indifference many women and marginalized individuals face. The casual grip suggests a lack of regard for the weight of responsibility, echoing societal attitudes that often treat inclusion and care as optional rather than essential. This image is a stark reminder of the fragility of equity and the ease with which it can be disregarded.
The final image in the series, ‘Fragile but Don’t Treat with Care,’ is perhaps the most unsettling. An egg rests on an open palm, exposed and unsupported, its vulnerability laid bare. This image speaks to the resilience demanded of those who are often left to fend for themselves, their softness mistaken for weakness. Yet, as Akran notes, the egg remains—and so do we. It is a testament to endurance, a quiet defiance in the face of neglect.
Medeyonmi Akran’s second project, ‘Eyes That See,’ shifts focus from fragility to perception, offering a deeply personal exploration of sight and vision. As someone who is partially blind, Akran challenges the conventional understanding of what it means to see. In ‘Eye Combo,’ she combines multiple gazes into a single frame, creating a mosaic of perspectives that reflects the complexity of her own visual experience. The result is a powerful commentary on the limitations of physical sight and the expansiveness of perception. Her work here aligns with the conceptual photography of Sophie Calle, who often used personal narrative to explore themes of identity and observation.
Akran’s artistry is not confined to her images alone; it extends to her commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Her background in mass communication and advocacy for disability rights informs her practice, ensuring that her work is not only visually compelling but also socially impactful. By advocating for alt tags and accessible digital platforms, she bridges the gap between art and accessibility, making her work a beacon for inclusivity in the art world.
Akran’s work has garnered international recognition, with exhibitions at prestigious galleries such as Madeke Gallery in the UK, Casa Del Arte Gallery in Spain, Thomson Gallery in Switzerland, Nicoleta Gallery in Germany, and The Holy Art Gallery in the UK. This is a testament to the universal resonance of her themes. These exhibitions have not only amplified her voice but also brought her message of inclusion and empathy to a global audience.
Medeyonmi Akran’s photography is a call to action—a reminder to see beyond the surface, to handle fragility with care, and to embrace the unseen. Her work is a testament to the power of art to challenge perceptions, foster empathy, and inspire change. In a world that often overlooks the vulnerable, Akran’s images demand that we pause, look closer, and choose to care.
and then