Unfolding a Neurodivergent Mask (2023)

This project that is based around an analogy of masking posted in a blog by @autistic_phd titled "My Origami Child"
on Neurodiverse Connection. Elise described the idea that her AuDHD daughter was like a piece of origami paper; every day she had to fold herself into a shape that others enjoyed before she went out into the world, but as soon as she got home and she no longer had to hold herself in this shape she fell back into a piece of paper, and although she is back to herself, the creases never disappear. This post went viral with over 100k views, 1000 likes, and 300 retweets within the first 24 hours, indicating how much it struck a chord with the community. I would like to explore this analogy further and create a piece of artwork in Leeds for the public to engage with.  The paper structures created during these reflective groups, along with ideas and experiences collected from the discussions, will inform my production of a final piece of hanging sculptural artwork.