Je Suis Wibbly-Wobbly

Acrylic & mixed media on paper & canvas

2022

Je Suis Wibbly-Wobbly is a deeply personal collection that delves into the complex experience of neurodivergence.

Drawing from my own journey as an AuDHD human, these paintings offer a visual representation of the multifaceted nature of identity.

I am, as I might have mentioned once or twice, autistic and I also have ADHD. In our house that’s also known as being wonky-brained, or wibbly-wobbly in the head - not in any kind of derogatory way, but just because nonsense is healing and making up silly terms for things makes them more manageable.

We also have a running joke, stemming from a brilliant meme which suggested that all cats are autistic (they absolutely are), that I am actually a pile of cats in a trench coat masquerading as a human.

These paintings are just a few of the cats that make up the pile of me.

In essence they are self-portraits that showcase my different moods, emotions, experiences, or parts of my personality. I’ll leave it up to you, the viewer, to interpret which painting means what.

So they’re cats, but more importantly, they’re not cats at all.

The electric colour palette makes these beautiful pieces glow as if lit from within, and the impasto mark-making gives them the most delicious depth and texture.

Each piece is a joyful explosion of glorious chaos that rewards looking - the longer you gaze at them, the more is revealed to you. The individual titles also add an extra layer of meaning and reflect moments or phrases of personal significance.

I see these pieces almost as talismans for anyone who has ever felt like they are out of step with the world. These cats will watch over you and keep you safe; they are benevolent guardians who will celebrate you in all of your own wibbly-wobbly wonkiness and remind you that you’re not alone.

While neurodivergent viewers may find recognition in these works, they also offer neurotypical audiences insight into a different way of experiencing the world. Je Suis Wibbly-Wobbly celebrates the glorious chaos of human neurodiversity.