Autistic Joy: Erin Manning and Victoria Gray in conversation

Autistic Joy: Louisa Martin and Victoria Gray in conversation

Autistic Joy: Madelein Ryan and Victoria Gray in conversation

AUTISTIC JOY
EMMA FRANKS AND VICTORIA GRAY IN CONVERSATION

Keywords

art, autism, sensory experiences, vulnerability, oversharing, Lilith, Asylum Women, artistic expression, neurodivergence, identity

Artist Bio

Emma Franks (b. 1972) is a visual artist and feminist, raised in Essex, now living and working in London. She is a multidisciplinary artist who creates paintings, costumes, performances and artist books, with themes of pregnancy, motherhood, the menopause, and illness.  Her deeply personal practice combines lived experiences with strong imagery and personal symbols of power, as well as feminist icons, in rebelliously humorous works.

Emma studied Fine Art at Brighton University (1994), Art Psychotherapy at Hertfordshire University (1999) and Studio Painting at Turps Banana Art School (2023). Franks previously worked within state education and the National Health Service, in addition to being a practising artist.  

Upcoming Exhibitions ‘Gates of Horns: Myths of Resistance, Symbols of Defiance’, curated by Hettie Judah, Carl Freedman Gallery, Margate February 23 until April 23rd.  Recent exhibitions in London include Bow Arts Open Call, curated by Lindsey Mendick, Safe House Peckham 2024, Ripe Banana Leavers Show 2023, Naissance Re-Naissance Unit Gallery London 2023, and Recreational Grounds VII (2023); Love, Celebration and the Road Ahead, TJ Boulting (2022); Mood Times Ten, Fitzrovia Gallery 2022; Arundel Contemporary 2018 and The Stratford Gallery 2018.

https://emmafranks.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/emmafranksartist/


Summary

In this conversation, the artist Emma Franks discusses her artistic journey, exploring the connections between her art, autism, and sensory experiences. 
She reflects on how her painting practice serves as a form of self-regulation and sensory joy, while also addressing themes of vulnerability, oversharing, and the significance of tactile elements in her work. 

The discussion delves into her Asylum Women series, the influence of Lilith as a symbol of rebellion, and her future artistic endeavours, highlighting the importance of mirroring and connection in her creative process.

Correction: Please note that at 47:34 the reference to the incantation bowl, viewed at The British Museum, should have stated Iraq, not Iran, as place of provenance.

Takeaways

•	Art is deeply tied to sensory experiences and self-regulation
•	Painting serves as a means of visual stimming for Emma
•	Being alone in the studio empowers Emma and calms her nervous system
•	Emma's art reflects her sensory joy and experiences
•	The tactile nature of art is crucial for both creation and viewer engagement
•	Vulnerability in art can lead to oversharing, which is both challenging and empowering
•	The Asylum Women series reflects feelings of isolation and the struggle to fit in
•	Lilith represents rebellion and the embrace of one's identity
•	Art can serve as a form of mirroring, helping to connect with oneself


AUTISTIC JOY SERIES: https://www.victoriagray.co.uk/projects/autistic-joy-in-conversation

TRANSCRIPT: https://www.victoriagray.co.uk/content/1-projects/3-autistic-joy-in-conversation/emma-franks-victoria-gray-autistic-joy-interview-transcript-2025.pdf

VICTORIA GRAY: https://www.victoriagray.co.uk/

Autistic Joy: Emma Franks And Victoria Gray in conversation

AUTISTIC JOY
ROBERTO PICCIAU AND VICTORIA GRAY IN CONVERSATION


Keywords

neurodivergent art practice, consciousness, self-assessment, diagnosis, language, perception, mapping, artistic modalities, mental health, decision-making, psychedelics, surrender, collaboration, emotional regulation, perception, spirituality


Artist bio

“I map infinitely intricate worlds of (autistic) consciousness…”

As a multidisciplinary artist, Roberto Picciau uses drawing, video, embroidery, costume, sound, and performance to question the pathologization of processes of neurodivergent sensemaking, such as stimming, hyperfixation (monotropic attention tunnels), and echolalia. His work explores the metaphysical and relational processes of vibration, duration, and repetition as conditions of neurodivergent experience.
 
As a child he was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and moved from his birthplace of Sardinia to the UK. During this time his mother told him that his brain "fails to maintain (synaptic) bridges," which shaped his interest in invisible forms of disabled communication and integration.

Solitude is essential to his practice, providing the space and rhythm needed to decompress sensory overwhelm. Each piece embodies a cumulative journey of returning moments, built over hundreds of sittings, representing a cognitive search for coherence.

https://robeartho.com/


Summary

In this conversation we discus Roberto’s practice at the intersection of neurodivergence and art. We discuss the impact of his autism diagnosis in early childhood, as well as his continued “self-assessment” of what it means for him to be autistic as an adult.

We explore how – through a multidisciplinary approach - Roberto’s practice acknowledges the way in which neurodivergent sense-making necessitates expansive, fluid and flexible approaches to visual and linguistic communication, so as to honour the complexities of neurodivergent consciousness. Our dialogue emphasizes the interconnectedness of time, perception, and artistic expression, ultimately highlighting the richness and plurality of neurodivergent experience.

Our conversation tentatively touches upon complex and topical subjects, such as the influence of psychedelics on neural pathways, spirituality, and the importance, as an artist, of surrendering to the unknown. 

Takeaways

•	Diagnosis can trigger a lifelong journey of self-assessment and understanding
•	Language around neurodivergence is constantly evolving and can be pathologizing
•	Artistic practices can serve as a means to slow down time and process sensory overload
•	Metaphors play a crucial role in articulating complex experiences
•	The interconnectedness of different artistic modalities reflects the complexity of consciousness
•	Time perception can vary greatly for neurodivergent individuals
•	Visual representations in art can communicate deep concepts about perception
•	Art making can be a way to approach “unlearning”
•	Surrendering to the unknown can lead to new insights
•	Collaboration among neurodivergent artists can support the creation of non-pathologizing neurodivergent languages

AUTISTIC JOY SERIES: https://www.victoriagray.co.uk/projects/autistic-joy-in-conversation

TRANSCRIPT: https://www.victoriagray.co.uk/content/1-projects/3-autistic-joy-in-conversation/vg-rp_autisticjoytranscipt.pdf

VICTORIA GRAY: www.victoriagray.co.uk/

Autistic Joy: Roberto Picciau and Victoria Gray in conversation

Autistic Joy is a series of recorded conversations with artists, movement practitioners, performers, writers, makers & philosophers.

The conversations seek to affirm the joyful aspects of neurodivergent sensory experience.

Victoria Gray - Autistic Joy

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