SEEING THE UNSEEN - WORK IN PROGRESS

Seeing the unseen is a work in progress project that one day I hope evolves into a travelling exhibition and a photo book, with the rational to riase awareness of MS that can be a very hidden disease.

Needing to be in the Royal London every 4 weeks for an infusion (Tysabri), and then in past two years for longer periods for (Lemtrada) both are DMT’s (disease modifying therapies), it gave me the perfect opportunity to photograph and document my immediate environment, which involved walking to adjacent wards, dragging the intravenous drip trolley and camera to photograph and film others with MS, to tell their unique stories.

Sadly nothing can cure MS instead the drugs ‘slow the progression’, however having a positive mindset, eating healthy food and doing some basic exercise really helps.

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SEEING THE UNSEEN / FACES OF MS - WORK IN PROGRESS

"Seeing the Unseen" project is work in progress a series of photos of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It is work in progress and is a conceptual photography project endorsed by the MS Society. It aims to represent the personal courage and drive of people living with this invisible illness. The project seeks to unlock a deeper understanding and reveal the seen and unseen struggles and strengths of those affected. 

The rationale is to humanise MS through photographic storytelling. By combining documentary images with personal narratives, the project provides a platform for others with MS to share their experiences. Charlie’s aim is to foster empathy, inspire societal support, raise awareness and help reinforce funding for MS charities.

Photography offers a unique lens to capture and document the lived experiences of those with MS, conveying raw emotions, daily struggles and moments of resilience in ways that words alone cannot.

This work in progress project aims to: 

• Preserve Stories: Archive personal narratives reflecting diverse MS experiences. 
• Build Empathy: Connect viewers with the human side of MS, breaking stigma and misconceptions .
• Inspire Advocacy: Motivate communities and policymakers to support the MS community.
• Raise Awareness: Showcase the challenges of living with MS globally

Seeing the Unseen. (work in progress project)

MS can affect anyone. It is often misunderstood and can go unnoticed. Using photography and text Charlie Palmer wants to shed light on the real experiences and feelings of those living with MS in an unfiltered a way as possible.

His project is backed by the MS Society UK and in final throws of Arts Council funding aims to create better awareness and build a stronger sense of community, ensuring that no one faces MS alone. Through capturing honest perspectives and lived stories he hopes to spark conversation, challenge perceptions and highlight the support available to those who need it.

Charlie is applying to Arts Council England funding to realise the project to its full potential.

Seeing the Unseen is a powerful, documentary-style photographic project led by disabled artist Charlie. Drawing on his lived experience with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Charlie will embark on a creative journey to explore and reflect on the realities of living with MS, both personally and within community settings. This project is both a personal and collective story—told through images, voices, and shared experiences—capturing moments of vulnerability, resilience, and humanity.

Running from January 2026 to May 2027, the project will take place across three of Arts Council England’s Priority Places. Each location will host a programme of co-created engagement events, supported by the MS Society’s active network of local MS groups. With support from a Creative Producer, Access Support Worker, and Workshop Facilitator, Charlie will lead creative workshops and outreach activities to capture real stories of people living with MS. These interactions will inform a body of photographic work and culminate in a national exhibition and publication launch during MS Awareness Week 2027.

This project is grounded in the values of inclusion, co-creation, and authentic representation. The core cultural idea is to place disabled people, particularly those living with MS, at the centre of artistic and cultural storytelling. As a disabled artist, Charlie is not observing from the outside—he is living this experience