‘Sensory Overload’ - Amy Ervine

‘Sensory Overload’ is a personal homage to both my brothers who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. My Body of Work conveys the heightened senses that influence how the processes of dynamically changing information can affect people with Autism and impact their reactions and connection to the world around them. The ‘figure’ plays an ambiguous role, open to interpretation as my ‘brother’ or symbolising a ‘normal’ individual. The ‘figure’ stands in view of a neurological illustration represented through the mechanics and mark-making. Heavily influenced by New York street artists Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat my work encourages audiences to engage, interact and immerse themselves in the work stimulating their senses; sight, sound and touch. This interactivity evokes hypervigilance for the audience mirroring the Autistic brain. By creating a chaotic and dynamic visual representation of ‘triggers’ and referencing Pollock's expressive line and colour and Arkley’s ‘Primitive’ work, I challenge and recontextualise audiences views of Autism; the complexities, the chaos, the Sensory Overload.

(It includes digital media of lights that turn on, keyboards and cords, that are all interactive for the audience)