'Island of the Colorblind,' a new photography book by Belgian artist Sanne de Wilde, is meant to mimic the experience of islanders living in the tiny Micronesian archipelago of Pingelap and Pohnpei. Because of a rare recessive genetic trait, nearly 10 percent of the area's inhabitant suffer from achromatopsia, or complete colorblindness. Island of the Colorblind uses photography techniques to give readers a sense of what seeing such a powerfully colorful tropical paradise might be for those people.
Achromatopsia is an incredibly rare condition, affecting just one in 30,000 people in the general population. It has such a high rate of sufferers in Pingelap and Pohnpei because of a typhoon that hit the islands in the late 18th century, decimating the population. The king of the islands survived the disaster, and he was said to carry the condition, so the modern instantiation is probably a result of his lineage.
Colorblind Photography Books
'Island of the Colorblind' Shoots a Tropical Island in Hueless Tones
Trend Themes
1. Colorblind Awareness - Developing products and services that cater to the needs of colorblind individuals, such as colorblind-friendly photography techniques and visual aids.
2. Inclusive Design - Creating inclusive design strategies that consider the needs and experiences of individuals with visual impairments, including colorblindness.
3. Visual Accessibility - Improving visual accessibility in various industries by leveraging technology and innovative solutions for individuals with colorblindness.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Exploring photography techniques and equipment that enable colorblind individuals to experience and capture different hues and tones.
2. Publishing - Developing colorblind-friendly books and publications that provide a unique perspective on color perception for a diverse audience.
3. Digital Design - Incorporating colorblind-friendly design principles and tools into digital products and platforms to enhance accessibility for all users.