Inna Zaitseva

Wheeling heart

MAMM presents ‘Wheeling Heart’, a project by the young Moscow photographer Inna Zaytseva. The aim of this project is to draw public attention to the problems of people with disabilities, and ultimately to change our attitudes towards those obliged to use a wheelchair. This exhibition is about the love of life, on which everything depends.

The impetus for the project came from the photographer’s own personal experience: it took one and a half years for Inna Zaytseva to get permission for a ramp to be installed at the entrance to the Moscow apartment block where her wheelchair-bound mother lives. Due to the situation with her own family, the author of this project was confronted by the psychological difficulties of a loved one faced with an unexpected about-turn in their living conditions.

We are often told to feel sympathy and compassion for others. That contributes to our sense of confusion and awkwardness when we encounter a wheelchair user. Although often these are successful and confident individuals who can inspire us by their example, by their attitude to life, their inner strength and self-belief. ‘Those who took part in our project are active, charismatic, amazing people who practise various types of sport, dancing and horse-riding, who organise theatrical and social projects, and much more,’ says Inna Zaytseva. ‘Twenty-one people have already become involved in the project, and every day we find new participants with new aspirations and concepts they are eager to implement. Our heroes travel, they live a busy life, so it doesn’t matter in what city we hold the photo shoot... we can organise a project anywhere in the world.’

Her project is an exchange of ideas about a serious social issue, conducted without undertones of mentoring. It is often said that we should appreciate what we have, but at times people fail to see how things that are so natural for us can be inaccessible to others. Without dialogue our stereotypes create barriers and prevent understanding. ‘Wheeling Heart’ offers that dialogue. It is a source of inspiration for all those who love life.