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Assistant pins on mask.
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Hands pick up tacks.
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CU hands with thread
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MS Artist at table
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Initials



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Art comes in many forms... and, to help the blind appreciate modern expression, Belgian-born artist HENRI BASTIN has evolved a technique which he believes will enable the blind to enjoy and appreciate art by touch. At an exhibition of his works in Melbourne, Mr. Bastin is blindfolded in a demonstration of his theory.

Just a few tacks and a sheet of paper and the masked artist forms patterns and shapes... his hands free to transmit to paper the brain pictures he is visualising.

With each tack he seeks out the shapes he requires... then he's ready to form his picture with thin pliable lengths of wire. The picture clear in his mind... a few deft twists with the wire, and a pattern is moulded by skilful fingers.

Henri Bastin began painting only three years ago. He claims that if he can shape mind pictures with tacks and wire -- so can the blind.

To finish his pictures, Mr. Bastin sometimes builds them up with thick paint to form dimensions which can be felt by the sightless. Once an opal miner, he began painting when inspired by the beauty of outback Queensland. In these "Braille pictures" artist Bastin worked one hundred and fifty hours blindfolded. An ingenious artist with understanding, patience and skill... working to show the sightless the way to expression.