Autistic Art: What's It Mean to THIS Neurodivergent?
Being seen. Being heard. Being felt. As I am. Without masks.
This Is Not My #AltText.
But I got my reasons for starting off with my Claude 3-assisted work:
ALT TEXT: This digital image by the author, 'La Trahison des Masques (This is not real),' is a nod to Magritte’s exploration of reality through Surrealist art. Framed by the imposing architecture of New York's Financial District, a distinguished businessman in a sleek suit holds a sign reading 'This is not REAL,' echoing the Parisienne script of Magritte's 'Ceci n'est pas une pipe.'
This juxtaposition captures the autistic experience—external conformity hiding internal dissonance. This image serves as a visual metaphor for the surreal and alienated reality often faced by neurodivergent individuals, questioning the authenticity of societal roles and the masks we wear. This digital image by the author uses 21st AI technology to subversively undermine itself, a kind of Cyber-Dada, according to the author.
What does autistic… or more broadly… neurodivergent art mean to me?
I think our people are just finding our voice. Just discovering what it means to be alive, self-aware, and autistic in this profane world. How to talk about our struggles. And our wonder.
Artists do that. Local artists. National. Nobel-Prize winning.
They give us eyes for what we do not see all around us. Voices for words we cannot find deep inside us.
But we do not have many neurodivergent artists who have broken through. Yet. Neurodivergents who can portray our experience. Truthfully. In its raw glory. To others. Maybe even to our selves.
Not that such artists don't exist. Even if you can’t trust most of the autistic celebrity lists on social media. They do exist.
But they don't break through into pop consciousness. Maybe the odd teenage contestant on “America’s Got Freakish Talent.” Who sings like a 40-year old opera soprano… with a lot more gasps and scooping. That EVERYbody remembers. For roughly an hour.
“Remember that one, hon? The one that was… (gasp)… autistic?”
For the most part, movies, TV? We see neurotypicals bust a gut to play us. Just as nuanced and sympathetic as only they know how. Hey, kudos, Sean Penn! Nice range.
But it always, always rings false. Honestly. It makes me cringe. Call it autistic drag…
This is why I aim to embody the raw, authentic neurodivergent experience in my own work. To shatter these neurotypical illusions and invite you into my world, my mind.
What do I want from a neurodivergent art? Culture?
I want to teleport you into my world. Like a Stargate. Whoosh… you’re there. And from where you can explore all the other neurodivergent worlds orbiting silently around you…
Cyber-Dada is what I use. That’s what I call this 21st-century lovechild of Dadaism & digital culture. Mashing collage, random weirdness, and anti-art attitude with tech tools & twisted themes of virtuality, ID, and alienation. A mutant movement custom-made to portray my autistic experience.
I want to show you my truth. My joy, my horror, and my mysteries. Bathe you in images of how I see the world. Tell you alien stories… that you may wonder… along with me. Create “startlicles” with art, video, voice, words… for a sensory overload…
To understand us, to break through to our world, our rebellious outside stance that so many of us have adopted to survive….
I feel I need to do a Surrealist/Dada thing. That subversive use of image. The collage view of the world. The anti-structure. That so keenly shows alienation always present in an outsider’s life.
Actually, scratch all that pretension…
I want to be as autistic as I can. And still communicate.
My reality? Would be surreality for most typical folk.
So I want to use Dada, Beat & Post-Modern random cut & paste. I want to leer from behind the autistic mask. And I don't just mean wisecracks.
I already structure writing... and music and art... as I think. In bursts of images implying structure and meaning. That’s how it flows through my written "consciousness." I'm not trying to write fancy. I'm trying to write quickly. This is just how it comes out.
What are my questions about how to write...? Not, “How can I streamline the reader flow with catchy topic sentences.” Trust me.
More like, how can I further reveal my autistic (and ADHD) identity...? Reasoning and thinking from bottom up. Imagistically and essentially emotionally. Flowing from thing to thing with purpose, not “attention deficit.”
And that purpose is always increasing absorption in joy. And avoiding pain. If others can’t see that? They just don’t understand our joy. Our pain. Theirs must be different.
Ok. that was a blast to start off. I hope I'm communicating.
Here’s a sample of what I mean…
An excerpt from my recent article on Autistic Joy. It let’s you peek the raw, visceral style I use. Breaking into poetry as the spirit moves, illustrating with striking images to underscore the moment. All to convey the unfiltered autistic experience:
The text formats prose and poetry in staccato lines, to show the raw, unfiltered autistic voice. I mean for the haunting, surreal image and the rawly honest text to amplify the emotional impact.
AND invite readers to confront their own preconceptions about autism and masking.
Neurodivergent voices matter.
And I mean in ways much more than a sickening-sweet “All humans matter” kinda way.
I mean we deserve respect. Appreciation. For our very real contributions to the human saga.
As neurodivergents, we are outsiders. We are a living breathing, undeniable commentary and criticism on how the human condition on Planet Earth could be different.
Free of status. Not motivated by greed. Built around joy.
Our stories, our art, our truth – raw and unfiltered?
They must be heard.
So, I'm asking you – begging you? Seek out all neurodivgent creators. Not out of curiosity. Not out of misguided pity. Not out of misplaced holiness…
Dive into our worlds. Let our passions ignite your own. There is so much to show each other. In wonder.
Me? I'll keep bleeding my autistic soul onto the page, the screen, the fucking cosmos.
But no more masks. No more typical bullshit. Just pure, unapologetic, authentic me.
Join me on this wild ride. Explore the beautiful chaos that is the neurodivergent experience. It's a trip you won't regret.
And, ya know, art… from another world.
But here’s my most personal heart speaking…
AI-enhanced art certainly isn't painting. Nor even CGI. But I hear Ansel Adams wasn't much with oils. Yet he was probably the first photographer acknowledged as an artist. His 1920s landscapes of Yosemite, “Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico”? Modern icons.
Art has nothing to do with medium. Or tools. And many arts are collaborative. Chris Nolan springs to mind.
But I don't normally defend… or whine about the "effort" involved. That has nothing to do with art either.
Any image I create... Whether with AI or any of the other media I work in... Either it moves you… or not.
I call forth images that excite me. That communicate how I feel. That communicate what it is to be autistic in my world.
And some people respond to my images.
I waited my whole life for that. I struggle with communication.
My music? My art? My poetry? The experience of creating them? Playing them?
That is my life. Some people dig it. Most don't know about it. A number hate it.
I'm having a hell of a time.
I want to thank Ed Dupree for our fabulous conversation on LinkedIn. His thoughts clarified what my heart really needed to say. Rely on his input whenever I can grab his time.
Key Takeaways
The article advocates for amplifying neurodivergent voices and creating art that authentically represents the autistic experience, challenging inauthentic portrayals in mainstream media.
The author introduces "Cyber-Dada," their unique approach to portraying their autistic experience through art, combining elements of Dadaism with digital tools and themes of technology, identity, and alienation.
Readers are encouraged to seek out and support neurodivergent artists, writers, and creators, embracing unique perspectives and engaging with raw expressions.
An excerpt from the author's recent article on Autistic Joy showcases their raw, visceral style, demonstrating the power of breaking into poetry and using striking images to convey the unfiltered autistic experience.
The article concludes with a passionate call to action, urging readers to recognize the importance of neurodivergent voices in challenging and enriching our understanding of the human experience, inviting them to explore the neurodivergent experience through art and storytelling.
Further Reading
On neurodivergent art
1. “Neurodivergent artists collective breaking down barriers” — This article from Creative Scotland discusses the challenges faced by neurodivergent artists in the art world and the efforts of the Neuk Collective to address these issues. https://www.creativescotland.com/news-stories/latest-news/archive/2021/10/neurodivergent-artists-collective-breaking-down-barriers
2. “Unlocking Neurodivergent Creativity: Celebrating Unique Perspectives” — This article from DIYvinci explores the connection between neurodivergence and creativity, highlighting the unique perspectives and contributions of neurodivergent individuals in various creative fields. https://diyvinci.com/unlocking-neurodivergent-creativity-celebrating-unique-perspectives/
3. “Creating Inclusive Spaces for Neurodivergent Artists (Casting Light #1)” — This article from I Care If You Listen discusses the top three obstacles facing neurodivergent artists and offers recommendations for creating more inclusive spaces for them in the arts industry. https://icareifyoulisten.com/2021/05/creating-inclusive-spaces-for-neurodivergent-artists-casting-light-1/
4. Mahlia Amatina’s website — Mahlia Amatina is an international neurodivergent artist based in Reading, whose work focuses on themes around neurodiversity and uses multi-sensory experiences to give insight into life on the autistic spectrum.
https://www.mahliaamatina.com
5. “Art in Neurodivergence: A Spectrum of Possibilities” — This LinkedIn article discusses the role of art in helping individuals with neurodiversity to express themselves and regulate their emotions. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/art-neurodivergence-spectrum-possibilities-ishanyaindia
6. “5 Artists With Neurodiversity Conditions And Why They Should Be Celebrated” — This article from LDN Magazine highlights the work of five artists with neurodiversity conditions and their contributions to the arts. https://ldnmagazine.com/2023/04/04/5-artists-with-neurodiversity-conditions-and-why-they-should-be-celebrated/
These sources cover various aspects of neurodivergent art and media representation, including the challenges faced by neurodivergent artists, the connection between neurodivergence and creativity, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for neurodivergent artists in the arts industry.
On Dadaism
1. “What is Dadaism, Dada Art, or a Dadaist?” — This article from Artland Magazine provides an overview of Dadaism, its origins, and its impact on contemporary art. https://magazine.artland.com/what-is-dadaism/
2. “Dadaism Definition, History, and Famous Dada Artists” — This article from MasterClass discusses the key ideas, artists, and artworks associated with the Dada movement. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/dadaism-guide
On art, technology, identity:
1. “Exploring the Intersection of Technology and Art in the 21st Century” — This article from Eden Gallery discusses the relationship between technology and art in the contemporary context, focusing on how artists use various technologies and technological performances to express their identities. https://www.eden-gallery.com/news/exploring-the-intersection-of-technology-and-art-in-the-21st-century
2. “The role of online communication for young visual artists’ identity management” — This article from First Monday explores the impact of online communication on the identity management of young visual artists, highlighting how technology shapes their self-expression and the ways in which their identities can shift and express themselves differently over time. https://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/5626/4467
On Challenges Neurodivergent Artists Face
1. “Neurodiverse and disabled artists are joining the mainstream-yet discrimination persists” — This article from The Art Newspaper discusses the progress made in recognizing and promoting neurodivergent and disabled artists, but also highlights the challenges they face, such as financial insecurity, difficulties in social settings, and administrative tasks. https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2021/08/09/neurodiverse-and-disabled-artists-are-joining-the-mainstreamyet-discrimination-persists
All images in 4K available for paid subStack subscribers.
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I found the AI art conversation particularly pertinent to me this week.
See, when I was in school, I preferred art class over music, but only because my detail-oriented mind had no problem "printing" what I see. I do have the artistic skills necessary to make my own renditions. In a sense, generative AI images made my self expression "quicker" but at the cost of "vision". And, as expressed before, I tend to be picky about the end result. As a result, I don't really use it all that often, and tend to be vigilant to "lazy uses".
So, recently, a friend showed me Generative MUSIC AI at udio.com - and honestly, I cannot possibly describe the transformational experience I had with it.
You see, I LOVE music, but because of my "bottom up" approach, I find composing and creating music uniquely difficult. I love music so much, I have entirely "made up" music playing in my head a lot of the times, but zero idea on how to get it out of my head.
It's uniquely comforting to make a deep feeling more "real" than before through expression. Generative Music has provided me a unique ability to express myself, that, I suspect, many musicians will disagree is genuine.
It doesn't matter though because after this experience, what matters most with art is the feeling of sharing a piece of your soul - something uniquely your own.
And despite what ableists might say, being unable to compose a piece note by note should not bar one from making music in this world.