Disability Arts in London (DAIL) Magazine welcomes the choice of the sculpture Alison Lapper Pregnant by Mark Quinn for exhibition on the empty plinth in Trafalgar Square and is fascinated by the coverage this has received.

We are shocked to see Lapper referred to in terms which are inaccurate (Lapper is not affected by thalidomide as stated in some newspapers), disabling and discriminatory (Lapper is by no means a victim or afflicted). The focus has been largely on her personal life as opposed to her work as a talented artist in her own right.

Lapper is one of a group of disabled artists whose work passionately explores aspects of the disabled self. In an interview with DAIL magazine (July/August 2002) Lapper expressed her frustration at the marginalisation of disabled artists.

"As a disabled artist, I find it frustrating [to be] given a platform via the back door of an able bodied artist who is dealing with issues of disability. I am not slating the guy [Mark Quinn] because […] his intentions were good but I just feel that if I had done that would it be in the Tate Liverpool? I think not."

The choice of Quinn's statue has been criticised on the grounds that the work is all message but not art. It is clear that much of this criticism is caused by discomfort with the subject matter. Representation of disabled bodies seems to be acceptable only as part of a worthy message relating to charity.
Alison Lapper Pregnant is one of the few examples in the public domain of disability portrayed in an assertive and uncompromising composition and does much to counteract the usual depiction of disabled people as victims.

A large body of work by disabled artists exists but prejudice continues to ensure that it remains unseen.
It is ironic that Alison Lapper conceived of the idea of a marble sculpture of her body several years ago, but couldn't afford to execute the work.