Perth artist Jenny Davies is picking up the paintbrush for a year-long Arts for Autism project, bringing into focus the faces and stories of Curtin University’s neurodivergent community.
Over the next year, Ms Davies will be welcoming 50 people into her Floreat studio as part of a Arts for Autism initiative, working in partnership with the Autism Association of WA.
“What I’m trying to capture is the essence of the person, and to draw attention to how diverse people are in our community,” she said.
Set to take about a year to complete, Ms Davies says the project will include a variety of subjects, ranging from people living with autism to carers, families and advocates.
“I see the face as a bit of a landscape,” she said.
“It’s telling a story of where you’ve been through life and what hardships you’ve had.
“So far I’ve only painted three people, but it’s really become a highlight of my day whenever I get to do it.”
The project has received upwards of 40 applications — a response Ms Davies said was overwhelming.
“It’s been much more embraced than I thought it would be, and I’ve had so many positive comments,” she said.
“The stories that have been coming through have just been so emotional, and I want to put them all in. I’m just overwhelmed by how many people want to be involved. So it’s amazing.”
Camera IconArtist Jenny Davies painting Alexa Miuller, who is undertaking year-long Arts for Autism campaign where she is painting 50 neurodivergent people living in Curtin over next 50 weeks. Andrew Ritchie Credit: Andrew Ritchie/The West Australain
Ms Davies said she recognises it can be challenging for people on the spectrum, who must sit in the same position for two to three hours for a painting.
“Neurodivergency comes in all sorts of different shapes and forms, and I’m very aware of that. So I want people to feel very comfortable,” she said.
“I can paint them with headphones or give them a screen to watch while they sit there, and I’ve got fidget spinners and other sensory toys. If they don’t want to chat that’s fine, and we take breaks and have a bit of a stretch as well.”
Curtin MP Kate Chaney, who is a vocal advocate for autism awareness, is one of her sitting subjects.
Ms Chaney last month spoke in parliament about the need for greater support for families navigating autism, and raised concerns about the Government’s plan to move children with autism off the National Disability Insurance Scheme before replacement programs were ready.
Camera IconMP Kate Chaney is one of the subjects in Ms Davies’ project. Credit: AAP
“I‘ve spoken to many carers about their experience of the NDIS and their despair,” Ms Chaney said during her speech.
“Too often, it seems we’re taking the human out of human services. Supports are siloed and impersonal.
“We must put people at the centre of the NDIS so Australians with disability and the families who carry so much are finally seen, heard and supported.”
Davies hopes her project can help bring the community together and preserve their stories in a meaningful way.
The project will wrap up next April where the 50 portraits will be unveiled at exhibition at the Autism Association of WA’s offices in Shenton Park. The association will receive all the proceeds from portrait sales.
Speaking on the partnership, Autism Association of WA CEO Joan McKenna Kerr said the project is more than an exhibition, but a way to build a community that recognises the unique strengths, experiences and voices that encompasses it.
“Through this project, Jenny has created a space for real, local stories to be shared – giving the autistic community a safe platform to express who they are and share the experiences and stories that shape their life,” Ms McKenna Kerr said.
“We are honoured to be involved in this project and to shine a light on the strength, compassion and connection of our community so everyone feels supported and heard.”
Nominations are still open. For more information on the project and how to get involved, head to the Arts for Autism website here.