Haemochromatosis is one of Australia’s most common genetic disorders that causes an overload of iron in the blood. It mainly affects those of European/Celtic origin with 1 in 200 people prone to developing it.
On Saturday, 8 August, Wollongong’s Project Contemporary Artspace hosted the opening night for Overload NSW’s art exhibition to raise awareness of Haemochromatosis. The event was held in the lead-up to Haemochromatosis Awareness Week, 10– 6 August. The exhibition featured 21 artists and included works from Archibald Prize finalists, photographers and cartoonists. Some of the artists live with Haemochromatosis.
Haemochromatosis Australia President Ben Marris and curator of the exhibition Anthony Marshall were at the event. Mr Marshall is a volunteer advocate for Haemochromatosis Australia and has the condition. He said he hoped young people find out if they have the disorder because, if it diagnosed early, it can be easily managed.
Music: Slow Motion Part 1 (Peter Rudenko) / CC BY 4.0