The process of making these photographs provides me with a safe space to feel at ease and to unmask. Either on my own or with a few individuals close to me, in places that give me such excitement, I’ve been able to experience my autistic joy to the fullest throughout this project– something that I cannot always access in day to day life. What was once a fear of being deemed different has now become a celebration of self-acceptance and understanding.
Additionally, throughout the work there are comments on my own autistic traits, such as my need for sensory comfort and how easy it is for me to be overwhelmed. The self-portraits featured, all different in tonality, expression and mood, mirror how I feel in real life; constantly changing myself to fit in with others, whilst the repetition of certain symbols suggests my need for rigid routine.