Unseen: Listening to Visually Impaired South Africans

After artist Joanne Bloch experienced serious sight loss, she felt called to explore what it means to be visually impaired in our society. Unseen gives both her own reflections and those of 20 other South Africans, each told in the unique voice of its contributor. The conversations and stories in Unseen reveal many hidden complexities. They describe sensory and bodily adaptations, as well as the systemic barriers to basic rights that are built into our society. They show the constant need to counter ignorance and hostility and describe the social discomfort and isolation that often comes with visual impairment. Yet these are not narratives of passive victims. Instead, they are idiosyncratic, compelling expressions of courage, humour, solidarity and resilience. Most of all, they reflect a determination to live a rich and fulfilling life despite every difficulty.  

In Unseen, Joanne Bloch offers a deeply personal and illuminating exploration of visual impairment in South Africa. Drawing from her own experience of sight loss and conversations with twenty other visually impaired individuals, Bloch weaves together a tapestry of diverse voices and experiences. This groundbreaking work challenges common misconceptions about blindness and partial sight, revealing the complex realities faced by those living with visual impairments. From navigating daily life and relationships to confronting societal barriers and discrimination, Bloch's narrative brings attention to an often-overlooked community. 

Unseen is not just about loss and struggle; it's a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the human spirit. Through intimate portraits and thoughtful analysis, Bloch invites readers to reconsider their understanding of sight, disability, and what it means to truly perceive one another in a world that often disregards the visually impaired. This book is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the diverse experiences of disability and the power of human connection.