Visualising autism through artworks

A self-portrait of Dunedin artist Tom Fox, created using ground-up chalk pastels dabbed on to canvas using his fingers. Image: Tom Fox

While some may see autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a hindrance, Tom Fox sees it as an asset — particularly when it comes to his art.

Impacts associated with ASD include difficulties with social interaction, communication, restricted interests that can hinder relationships and sensory sensitivities which can be overwhelming, as well as co-occurring mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

These challenges can make everyday life difficult.

But Mr Fox said his ASD contributed to his artwork, while also giving viewers an idea of what it was like to be autistic.

"It certainly makes me think about things differently.

"A lot of my work’s around sensory processing disorder and stuff, so it shows what it is like to be sensually overwhelmed.

"Most of my work centres around self-portraits and I give that sense of being overwhelmed by distorting the images I create."

As part of Tūhura Otago Museum’s "iNDx" exhibition, the 47-year-old is creating a portrait of The Chills singer-songwriter Martin Phillipps this weekend, by grinding up chalk pastels and dabbing the substance on a canvas using his fingers — all while the public watches on in the first-floor foyer.

"It’s pretty much just finger painting.

Dunedin artist Tom Fox in front of a clean canvas, on which he will create a portrait of the late Chills singer-songwriter Martin Phillipps using his fingers at Tūhura Otago Museum this weekend. Photo: Stephen Jaquiery

"I chose Martin Phillipps because he’s an icon of Dunedin and with his passing last year, I just wanted to do something that celebrated him."

He hoped the opportunity for people to see how his artwork was created would inspire them — especially younger generations.

"I think art is just something that is good for everyone.

"For me, it’s a calming influence. Art’s always been an outlet for me through the awful times of my teenage years.

"It was kind of a big part of how I coped with it."

He said when the portrait was completed tomorrow, it would be auctioned off and the money raised would go back into next year’s iNDx exhibition at the museum.

Mr Fox is one of 44 artists with ASD from across New Zealand to have their works displayed in the exhibition.

The artworks range from painting, weaving and illustration, to digital animation, crochet, model-building, screen printing and tattoo design — all creating a thought-provoking experience.

The exhibit is not just an art show, it also amplifies autistic voices, spreading awareness and encouraging deeper understanding.

The event runs until December 7.