Ptosis (2024) Painting by Samuel Timileyin Yomi-Meleki

Ptosis is a condition characterized by the drooping of one or both upper eyelids. This can occur due to various reasons, including muscle weakness, nerve damage, or age-related changes. Ptosis can be present from birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired). Symptoms include a noticeable droop of the eyelid, which can sometimes impair vision.

This artwork has been created straight out of the artist's imagination and is a gift of empowerment to people suffering from ptosis.

Note From Samuel
The complexities of sight disabilities are highly intriguing. Often, I find myself trying to understand how individuals with such conditions perceive the world. My interest in sight disabilities dates back over two decades and has influenced my appearance; I have been wearing fashion glasses consistently for over ten years. This personal connection has undoubtedly impacted the 'IN-SIGHT' movement, but the true catalyst has been recent reflections on issues of judgment, perception, and literacy.

Beyond the canvas and the illustrated, The In-Sight Project is dedicated to fostering dialogue and understanding about the limitations we all share regarding knowledge. The question of sight is intrinsically linked to knowledge and perception: what we see, what we don't see, and how we interpret what we see. Vision is actually a function of an unseen organ. The physical eye is merely a gateway through which the brain reads and interacts with the outside world. The mind operates in a similar manner. The Yoruba people refer to this as 'Oju Inu,' meaning the inner eye. The process of interpreting stimuli and responding is where true sight lies. Understanding this concept provides a foundation of equality for everyone.

Related themes

Disability