New art exhibition by local neurodivergent artists

A NEW exhibition created by two local artists who are both neurodivergent has opened in St Helier.

Mindscapes – a joint exhibition by Emilie Knight and Chris Addy – opened last week and will run until 2 October.

Ms Knight explores identity, crisis, and transformation through her mixed media paintings, following a recent diagnosis of autism. Mr Addy’s work shifts between etching, woodcut, and acrylic, demonstrating a darker, disorientating inner world.

The artwork is being displayed in an open, multi-sensory space – with visitors invited to enter a conversation about what it means to be human.

The duo’s work explores sensory intensity and emotional honesty. The pair say the exhibition is not intended to be about autism – more so life seen through autism.

Head of charitable services, Lesley Harrison at Autism Jersey said: “Autism Jersey is delighted to be aligned with the work of Emilie and Chris.

“Their exhibition highlights the remarkable achievements and unique potential revealed in extraordinary ways.

“It sends a powerful message about self-expression through creativity, helping to reduce stigma, foster community, and showcase distinctive perspectives.”

Mindscapes is open between midday and 6pm daily at the Connect With Art (formerly Studio 18) exhibition space, belonging to multidisciplinary artist, Yulia Makeyeva.

She said: “Day-to-day, neurodiverse people navigate a constant tension between their natural thoughts and behaviours and societal expectations.

“I can relate to Emilie’s challenges in grasping her autism diagnosis in adulthood; my own recent diagnoses of dyslexia and ADHD shifted my understanding of myself.

“Artistic expression allows artists to embrace this tension, giving form to the uncontrollable, spontaneous, and chaotic through captivating repetitive processes and patterns.

“I am particularly inspired by Emilie’s studio videos of drawing with her feet, following a spontaneous score known only to her. In contrast, Chris’s printmaking process and painting channels the uncontrolled into painstaking precision. I look forward to Mindscapes, uniting these two unique, process-led practices.”

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