An exhibition by award-winning New York photographer Rick Guidotti that challenges preconceptions of beauty by exploring the many faces of genetic difference will open to the public at Sunshine Plaza on Thursday 7 June.

Mr Guidotti’s exhibition, Redefining Beauty, was commissioned by The Chromosome 18 Registry & Research Society Australasia and curated by USC Art Gallery manager Megan Williams.

Ms Williams helped Mr Guidotti, a USC adjunct professor and founder of global human rights organisation Positive Exposure, select just 31 photographs from an extensive collection of images from a commissioned photo shoot on the Sunshine Coast last year.

She said the exhibition focused on children and adults affected by various genetic conditions located on the 18th chromosome, as well as others living with rare genetic conditions like fragile X syndrome, vanishing white matter disease, leukodystrophy and albinisim.

“USC is thrilled to help out with exhibitions such as this to empower community groups and raise awareness of important issues,” she said.

Mr Guidotti had worked as a high-profile fashion photographer in New York, Milan, Paris, and London – with clients including Elle magazine, L’Oreal, Revlon and Yves Saint Laurent – before launching Positive Exposure in 1998 to highlight the richness of human diversity.

The Chromosome 18 Registry & Research Society Australasia President Marlene Brightwell said she was keen for Mr Guidotti’s remarkable exhibition to reach a broad audience.

“We’re thrilled to have Sunshine Plaza support us by providing the space to hold the exhibition in their stunning new precinct,” she said.

Sunshine Coast-based Parent to Parent spokesperson Veronica Wain, who helped drive the exhibition with the support of the local community, said the show aimed to boost public awareness of Chromosome 18 genetic conditions.

“It’s also about creating a greater culture of diversity and inclusion,” she said.

The exhibition, which is the first of its kind in Australia, will remain on display at Sunshine Plaza until 15 July.

USC will host a public film screening and conversation with Mr Guidotti from 2-3.30pm on Thursday 7 June. To register, contact Eva-Marie Seeto at engagement@usc.edu.au

- Tom Snowdon