Autism affects thirty-five million people around the globe and has a full spectrum of symptoms. The autistic artist at Creative Growth may display emotions of shyness, discomfort, or obsession, but as Tom said, that’s their language.
“Is there a way to help that language to come to us in a creative way, as well? Dan has trouble making his own lunch and functioning in the world, but the beauty of his drawings is impressive. We see that duality a lot. You have to look at the whole person. Instead of seeing Dan as not being verbal and social or difficult in a group, you see him as a person who has become a fantastic contemporary artist. He wouldn’t be that without the autism.”
Tom is on his way to Paris to open Galerie Impaire—meaning “the odd gallery.” The use of the word “impaire” illustrates the creative intersection of artists with disabilities, self-taught artists, and those academically trained.
The first exhibitions at the gallery will include Creative Growth’s internationally recognized artists with disabilities, two exhibitions of artists with disabilities from Japan, outsider artist exhibitions and photography show, and artists with disabilities from New Zealand.
“By blending artists with disabilities world wide with contemporary and self-taught artists, we hope to blur the lines between who’s who in the art world and really change the perception of who the artists of our generation are.”
And blurring lines beyond a Dan Miller canvas—or a Judith Scott sculpture—is exactly what a world overflowing with art needs.
Photo courtesy of Creative Growth Art Center.
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