Welcome to DIFFERABILITY
the online equivalent of my current Solo Exhibition at the PJ Olivier in Stellenbosch. It’s such a privilege to have you here, and I would love to explain how this exhibition was put together.
This exhibition comprises of 8 parts of my journey of discovery about my diagnosis as an Autistic individual.
You can also purchase some of my previous work and products in the Shop.
PART 1: DISCOVERY
My daughter was diagnosed
as an Autistic about 4 years ago. When her psychologist explained how she experiences the world, I started crying: It was EXACTLY how I felt at her age!
We proceeded to test me as well and I was also diagnosed as Autistic. It was as if everything just clicked and made sense. The artworks representing this phase are the portrait of my daughter, Nina and my Self Portrait.
PART 2: THE OLD SELF
After my diagnosis I had to do a lot of introspection. I had to dig deep, look my “old” self in the eye as well as the parts of myself that I didn’t like. I had to go to my childhood and re-write my history.
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PART 3: THE INNER CHAMBER
As we move along in the corridors of my mind, this part of the exhibition symbolizes the deepest, emotional and most personal part of my journey of discovery. You are now in my subconscious, where there are many aspects of turmoil and Autism combined in a symphony of emotion.
To explain this section, I need to also explain certain traits of an Autistic and Neurodiverse individual that I have
PART 4: ACCEPTANCE
When I started to accept my diagnosis not as a diagnosis, but as something that I am (being a person with Autism versus being an autistic), I could start making changes in my life to accommodate myself.
I realized for how long I tried to fit in, tried to live life according to certain scripts embedded in our society. How much I tried to be something that I’m not, tried to do as much as other people
PART 6: THE PUZZLE
From the work: “CONSCIOUSNESS – DEFRAGMENTED” I’ve created an interactive puzzle which visitors can build.
With this I want others to experience the therapeutic and calming effects of art. And maybe, if you are going through a tough time, this can help you to “put things back into place” physically and mentally
PART 7: THE UNDERCURRENT
My psychologist once explained the Neurodiverse brain as it relates to Autism to me as follows: Normal (Neurotypical) individuals’ approach tasks in a very systematic way and they are able to control their thoughts mostly...
READ MORE & SHOP NOWPART 8: ROWLAND DANIEL
My father, a very talented and experienced sculptor offered to bring two of his clay sculptures to exhibit alongside me. His works slot in very well with the theme of most of my portraits.
His works at my exhibition represents my whole family and those who love me who’ve been with me in support on my journey
IN CLOSING
Did you know that only about 13% of Autistic Adults are in full-time employment? This is a staggering amount of people! The world today is made for (and by) Neuro-typical people.
The Autistic and wider Neurodivergent community have so many talents to offer if we can only offer insight and a few adjustments to accommodate them.
That is why I decided to pursue my art fulltime, to accommodate me andmy needs.
The reason I decided to hold a Solo Exhibition was to show the wider Autistic and Neurodivergent community what they are capable of! To pave the way for many more whose talents are going to waste at the moment.
MOST OF ALL: I wanted to show my Autistic Daughter what she can also achieve one day and she never needs to be ashamed of her diagnosis.
When you buy my art, you are supporting my dream. This is my career and I need all the support I can get! By buying a piece of art, you are spreading beauty, but also buying a tennis racquet for a girl, putting diesel in my car
and helping me to afford new art supplies!
Wall Drawing Commissions
Instead of hanging an artwork on your wall, why not make your entire wall an artwork?
Custom doodle wall murals available to quote on subject to terms. Cost Estimate: R1000/m2