What is Neurodivergent Space? Three artists present text, audio, film, and photography from their creative practice, to articulate and share their experiences of Neurodivergent Space, wordlessness and situational mutism.
Developed across long form time – almost two years, which I think would constitute crip time (see ‘What is “crip time”‘ below), a term I am newly trying to get my head around, and which makes a lot of sense. Lead by Sonia Boué, we were commissioned as invited artists to think about what online ‘Neurodivergent Space’ might mean. Covid, again, scuppered me in the critical final months of the project and I felt so fortunate to be held well by both the collaborating artists and Autograph gallery. Being very ill with terrifying symptoms is a really difficult prospect when working freelance. I felt incredibly fortunate in this project and it was such a celebration when I was able to attend an online meeting sitting upright. Doing the voice over after weeks of almost complete silence/wordlessness was a really strange experience. I really enjoyed what my fellow artists created and how the works all sat alongside each other and was particularly pleased that a spontaneous film I created whilst in the depths of Covid became intrinsic in what I presented.
The images above are all stills from the full video which over the course of almost an hour and 30 minutes takes you through the work from Sonia Boué, Sonja Zelić and me.
You can watch the full video on the Autograph site here, or use the player below to start at my section:
What more is there left to say: Artist Ashokkumar Mistry reviews the States of Wordlessness event and considers the importance of making space for neurodivergent practices in the arts.
What is “crip time”?
Crip fragmentation: expression and agency – Char Heather, Futch Journal, 29 April 2024
MedHums 101: What is Crip Time? – The Polyphony, 26 January 2024
