Lists
Lists
Eade, Skye William (2025) The dyslexic sublime: exploring the art-making process of dyslexic artists through the lens of the sublime. Doctoral thesis, London Metropolitan University.
The connection between art and the Sublime, encompassing concepts like transcendence and the duality of pain and pleasure, is well-established. These formless and invisible concepts can be represented through art, yet research primarily focuses on renowned artists, with limited exploration into how sublime concepts manifest in the art-making process of dyslexic artists.
This practice-based research investigates how dyslexic artists navigate their experiences of disempowerment and marginalisation through the lens of sublimity in their art. It examines the intersection of dyslexia, creativity, and the Sublime, providing insights into the unique artistic practices and experiences of dyslexic individuals. The study employs arts-based research techniques, including workshops, exemplary works and interviews with dyslexic artists, to explore their lived experiences and art-making processes within the framework of the Sublime. This approach is complemented by my own artwork, documented through video diaries and reflexive practice. The research culminates in an exhibition that highlights the use of diverse media in art, that explore the concept of the Sublime.
Rich narratives and empirical evidence reveal how dyslexic differences contribute unexpected elements to artmaking, evoking awe and wonder. Dyslexic artists demonstrate heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, creative problem-solving skills and unconventional thinking, which drive innovation and expand traditional artistic boundaries.
The concept of the Dyslexic Sublime emerges as a guiding principle, encapsulating the unique perspectives and creative processes of dyslexic artists. This concept highlights strengths such as holistic and divergent thinking, grounded in the lived experiences of dyslexic individuals, providing a framework for understanding diverse artistic practices within neurodiversity. Central to the Dyslexic Sublime is the notion of otherness, resonating with the Sublime's themes of unreachability and transcendence. The art-making process reflects a journey of exploration and flow states akin to the Sublime's ambiguity. Dyslexic artists' heightened empathy and visual-spatial perception further underscore the transformative potential of imagination in art.
This study offers practical implications for education and therapeutic interventions, promoting an inclusive approach that empowers dyslexic individuals to leverage their unique strengths in art, thereby fostering a broader dialogue on creativity and neurodiversity.
 |
View Item |