ArtistiNterview; AlyssaParr

Alyssa began working with the concept of how people with Autism Perceive the world differently

However, while working with this concept, she realized she was highlighting more of the similarities of how they see the world like we do- because that is her real world wish- to bridge the gap of perception.

Moreover, she is presenting how 'they perceive the world, but by using Our perceptions', thus combining our realities.  Alyssa does this by taking a photo or a scene such as the autistic kids she cares for common area- two couches and chair (a scene through Our perception) and breaking down the space into geometric shapes (seeing through Their perception) to show the relationship between the kids' emotions and perceptions within the space.  She employs multiples of shapes because autistic people perceive multiple senses at once, for instance, the texture of the couch, sensitivity to light and sound which can evoke irritation.  Also, shapes emote chaos compared to how we normally perceive the object or scene. She also uses paint and mark making to relate chaos in a space along with the shapes.  Alyssa's approach takes a new spin on such a seemingly formal and medical type of concept, which alone, is an interesting one, as she presents her view on the topic in a unique and unexpected way, far from blatant.  I am excited to see where her progression in this concept and methodology takes her, as it is a vast topic and she has a vast body of work to support it, all visually stimulating as well.