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THE EVEREST EXHIBITION
The Story of the National Federation of the Blind 2001 Everest Expedition
On May 25, 2001, Erik Weihenmayer became the first blind man ever to stand on the summit of Mount Everest. NFB sponsored this record breaking expedition and spread the Federation's message that blind people can compete in all life's adventures, even standing on top of the world.
To learn more about this remarkable event contact the librarian or go to www.NFB.org and search "2001 Everest Expedition.
The National Federation of the Blind commissioned Ann Cunningham to create these five tactile and visual works of art illustrating the ascent of Mount Everest. The satiny smooth sky, clouds and sun are made of black slate. The glassy smooth and grainy textured mountains and ground are made of sparkling white marble. The people, animals, structures and small items are made of cast bronze. The route up Everest, the ropes, camp and summit markers are made of gold, brass, silver, and steel.
visit Erik Weihenmayer's website: Touch the Top
click each panel image below to view an enlarged detail
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 slate, marble, bronze, gold
2'h x 3'w
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Panel 1
The Trek to Mount Everest
Khumbu Region
This panel illustrates some of Nepal's most remarkable cultural icons including a Sherpa carrying a doko, a yak and even a mastiff dog carrying packs. On the path to Mount Everest we find stone carved mandalas, prayer wheel walls and Stupas. In the background we see typical Nepalese homes scattered up the hill side in front of the towering Himalayas.
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 slate, marble, bronze, gold
21/2'h x 3'w
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Panel 2
Base Camp
This panel shows the layout of the tents that made up the NFB camp. Erik's tent is set up beside numerous other single and double person tents that surround the community kitchen, dining, communication, shower, and toilet tents. In the background flows the Khumbu Icefalls.
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 slate, marble, bronze, gold
3'h x 3'w
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Panel 3
Mount Everest
South Col Route
This panel illustrates Mount Everest's south face. Brass markers place Base Camp, first, second, third and forth camps. The South Summit and the summit of Mount Everest are indicated with small round markers. The entire route is connected with silver bead chain that winds its way up the route the NFB team took to the summit of Everest.
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 slate, marble, bronze, gold
21/2h x 3'w
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Panel 4
Khumbu Icefall
This panel is a detailed illustration showing Erik making a three ladder crossing of a crevasse. In this picture you can see how the ladders are lashed together and the dangerous crossing is made over them as they sway above the abyss. Huge seracs, or ice formations, teeter precariously along the sides of the crevasse.
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 slate, marble, bronze, gold
2'h x 3'w
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Panel 5
Summit Day
The Final Ascent
This final panel shows Erik in profile standing on the South Summit hours before he made his successful summit of Mount Everest. Mount Everest's peak is to Erik's right and the bead chain shows the final leg of the teams upward journey. On this day the NFB team set five world records including Erik Weihenmayer becoming the first blind climber to stand on the summit of Everest.
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I have been carving stone since I was fifteen years old but it wasn't until 1990 that I wondered if the slate low relief sculptures I was making could be interpreted by touch as well as sight.
This question led me to explore how my underutilized sense of touch might be trained through art to function on a higher level. The bas relief stories and exhibits that I have developed out of this exploration include most recently a commission for the National Federation of the Blind. It depicts Erik Weihenmayer's assent of Mount Everest, as the first blind climber to reach the summit.
Images below of Buna Dahal (below left) and opening night patron (below right) tactually reading panels from the Everest Exhibition.
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In Cunningham's studio, Buna Dahal discovering a Doko in panel number one as she prepares to
record the narration that accompanies the exhibit.
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An art patron tactually reads the panel during the opening reception for the Everest Exhibition |
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 © 2003 Ann Cunningham. All Rights Reserved
site design by oooandeye art services
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