Girl
Outsider
Acrylic on paper (210mm x 297mm)
"Outsider" delves into the artist's retrospective understanding of childhood through the lens of an adult recognised as Autistic. Against the engulfing dark blue—a poignant emblem of feelings of seclusion and misunderstanding—a young figure stands, representing the artist in their youth. Swirling around her are clouds of words that narrate the artist's distinctive Autistic experiences, thoughts, and behaviours. This acrylic portrayal on paper vividly encapsulates the profound sensation of being adrift, striving to connect with a world that often seemed enigmatic and overwhelming.
Merry-Go-Round
Acrylic on paper (210mm x 210mm)
"Merry-Go-Round" is a vivid evocation of a childhood moment, anchored by the image of a young child, the artist, riding a merry-go-round. The swirling, vibrant background, realised in hues of red and pink, captures the elusive nature of memory, constantly in flux and just beyond our grasp. Intriguingly, the horse melds seamlessly into this backdrop, symbolising how certain details of our memories, no matter how cherished, can blur and intertwine with others over time. Rendered in acrylic on canvas, this artwork beautifully juxtaposes the joy of youthful experiences with the intangibility of the past.
Sea
Acrylic on canvas (405mm x 510mm)
"Sea" immerses the viewer in a deeply personal recollection of a beachside moment, spotlighting a young child, the artist, gently paddling in the waters. The turbulent, swirling teal and purple backdrop captures both the vastness of the ocean and the volatile nature of memory. Scrawled across the canvas are clouds of words, revealing the artist's Autistic experiences, thoughts, and behaviours—adding layers of introspection and providing a glimpse into the confusion of childhood interactions. Rendered with acrylic on canvas, the painting juxtaposes the simplicity of a seaside memory with the intricacies of personal identity and understanding.
Neurotype
Acrylic on paper (210mm x 297mm)
"Neurotype" is a vivid acrylic painting on paper that delves into the artist's personal journey of childhood experiences, reinterpreted through the lens of an adult understanding of Autism. The central figure, representing the artist as a child, is surrounded by a dark expanse symbolising feelings of isolation and being overwhelmed in a world that felt foreign. This sense of displacement is accentuated by swirling clouds of words, painting a tapestry of unique Autistic thoughts, behaviours, and experiences. Through this piece, the artist captures the raw emotions of navigating a world they struggled to comprehend.