Artist Yrneh Gabon Brown

Los Angeles, California-based artist Yrneh Gabon Brown is passionate about educating the world on the devastating effects of prejudice against people affected with albinism in Tanzania, Jamaica and even the U.S ; he will share that passion at an afternoon talk at Alvin & Friends (14 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle, 914-654-6549) on Sunday, April 12^th at 3 pm.

Albinism is a hereditary genetic condition that causes an absence of pigmentation in the skin, hair and eyes; it affects roughly one in 20,000 people, but in Tanzania it is much more common, affecting one out of every 1,400. There people with albinism have been ostracized and persecuted — killed and dismembered so that their body parts can be used for witchcraft.

Since 2000, according to United Nations estimates, 75 albinos have been killed in Tanzania and the frequency of attacks on them seems to be increasing. A report released on April 1, 2014 by the Canadian advocacy organization “Under the Same Sun” reviewed the situation in 180 countries and listed 129 recent killings and 181 other attacks, including mutilation, violence, grave violations and cases of asylum-seeking. June 13^th has been declared International Albinism Awareness Day by the United Nations’ General Assembly, thanks to vigorous efforts by Under the Same Sun to address discrimination against people with albinism.

Yrneh Gabon Brown, a graduate of the Roski School of Art and Design at the University of Southern California, traveled to Tanzania to document the violence against people with albinism, and his research inspired artwork in various media (photography, collage, assemblage, sheet metal, cast bronze and ceramic sculpture) that was recently featured in a solo exhibition, “Visibly Invisible” in collaboration with CCH Pounder at the California African Museum in Los Angeles.

“There is still a problem with how people with albinism are seen, so we need to re-educate. For me as an artist I have to use my work to educate people. I am so thrilled that a day has been declared to include people with albinism, to see them as our brother, our sister, and not as outsiders to be excluded, but treated with respect like any other human being,” Yrneh said.

Yrneh Gabon Brown will be at Alvin & Friends (14 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle) on Sunday, April 12^th to build awareness with the showing of a film and a display of his artwork; he will also speak about his personal journey and awakening while researching the effects of prejudice, ignorance and violence inflicted upon people with albinism. Tickets cost $15 and include light refreshments; a cash bar will be available as well. Please call 654-6549 to reserve.