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Breaking the Barrier – Rory O’Chee by Qi Liu

Breaking the Barrier - Rory O'Chee

Qi Liu

About the artwork and sitter

Born with Down Syndrome in 1998, Rory O’Chee was originally attracted to photography to express his creativity. Once he realised what could be achieved, Rory set about using photography to tell stories that other people do not see.

Qi was astounded by Rory’s creative achievements at such an early age.
“Rory comes across as a talented, witty, charming and thoughtful young man. He proves through his creative pursuit that disability is not a barrier to creativity. He now uses photography to tell stories that most people don’t see, finding ways to let the landscape speak for itself.”

Rory has been a finalist in the Brisbane Art Prize in 2017, a finalist in the Stanthorpe Art Prize in 2018, as well as a semi-finalist in the Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize

About the artist

Qi Liu is a Chinese Australian artist from Brisbane’s sister city Shenzhen. He studied at Curtin University School of Art and Claremont School of Art. In 1998, Qi embarked on a spontaneous trans-Australia road trip; a journey of self-discovery which ended in Brisbane. Qi was a semi-finalist for the Doug Moran Portrait Prize. His works are widely collected.

“Rory proves through his creative pursuit that disability is not a barrier to creativity.”