The Mask of An Autistic Woman

Description

For neurodivergent women, masking is the manual, conscious performance of neurotypicality.

It is the suppression of natural, self-regulating movements (stims) because they are deemed socially inappropriate. It is the exhausting calculation of eye contact—determining exactly how many seconds to look before looking away. It is the swallowing of physical, sensory pain caused by lights, textures, or sounds just to appear "compliant" in a neurotypical environment.

The mask is an intricate architecture built for safety, designed to avoid the severe emotional impact of rejection or the physical danger of marginalization. It is undeniably a masterpiece of adaptation.

We are calling on neurodivergent artists to dismantle the armor, make the invisible visible, and translate their internal, somatic realities.

Note exhibition opportunity is both digital and in person.