Latest Collaboration: Ivan's film Disable the Disabled was exhibited as part of the 2025 Shape Open exhibition Rights Cuts Action

Artist statement: Ivan Riches is a disabled sonic/visual artist, musician and poet. The main aim of his artwork is to combine sound, image, and poetry into one - often immersive - experience. In through the disabled eye, ear, and experience, and out via the disabled voice, soundtrack/music, visual projection and performance. Reflecting disability as a positive experience of life in a world where it is used and experienced as a negative, especially in medical and political frameworks.

“I am what I have become: disabled, and proud of my acceptance of my disabled experience and making the best out of that friction in my life. Life through physical and mental adversity can forge what is seen as the victim into the victor.”

Since becoming a disabled artist, Ivan has received two Arts Council England awards, one for ‘Sonic Vistas’ live music and film production performances at the Liberty Festival 2015, and for ‘Surroundings’ live music and immersive 360 degree performances at the South London Gallery and The Plough Art Centre 2019. 

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