In 1996, British artist Sue Austin learned she would have to be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Not only did she keep moving forward, but she created something that would gain her recognition worldwide.
In 2012, Austin was asked to participate in the Cultural Olympiad, a collection of art events that were to be performed in advance of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
That was when “Creating the Spectacle” was born.
“Creating the Spectacle” is a series of underwater scuba performances Austin performs using the world’s first self-propelled underwater wheelchair that was specially created for her.
Her choreographed routines have gained her attention around the world.
The chair is equipped with fins and foot-controlled propulsion systems that allow a full range of 3D motion.
Sailing past fish and reefs, Austin creates a stunning, otherworldly vision.
Sue Austin had some beautiful things to say about her project:
“We’ve created something new and exciting, and it’s really getting people talking.
As a result, they’re realising that viewing the world from a different perspective inspires them to be free to explore new experiences.
I call my underwater wheelchair ‘Portal’, because it has literally pushed me through into a new dimension, a new way of being”.
Austin’s words are truly inspiring. If someone saw her on the street, they might think she can’t get around as well as others. In reality, she can move in ways more magical than they could even imagine.