Autistithenticity
Art. Design. Objects. As a crafter, maker, and artist, I often struggle with the fact that such a large percentage of "stuff" is destined for the landfill...probably sooner rather than later. Belgian designer Ann de Gersem struggles mightily with these same issues. Trained at Design Academy Eindhoven, de Gerstem has taken up the flag of Experiential Design. Her work is based around objects, but those objects relate to society metaphorically, or in ways outside of the ordinary.
For her final thesis project, de Gerstem collaborated with the autistic employees of a Belgian chocolate company to create a range of wearable chocolate objects, including functional chocolate teapot hats and a whiskey snifter/ashtray medallion. The project involved a performance by the employees that yielded a charming series of photographs. The project is a great way to call attention to the fact that designers often fall into the trap of designing with one point of view in mind--that of the wealthy consumer. By collaborating with the autistic employees, de Gerstem used their needs and point of view as a methodology for the project.
Autism constitutes a wide spectrum of different neurological wiring, which should be explored and celebrated. Neurodiversity.com is a great resource for studies and articles about autism. I also recommend Paul Collins' book Not Even Wrong: Adventures in Autism, which serves as both a historical exploration and personal account of life with his own autistic child. de Gerstem's other projects enjoy a similarly complex point of reference, including her Sanctuary Dress and pilgrimage to Lourdes. Support experiential design today!
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