Throughout my childhood, my exploration of the world was done with a blank notepad in hand, where I illustrated trees, animals and storybook characters, or made up my own stories. This artistic sanctuary helped me navigate social situations as a neurodivergent individual.

Being conditioned to view my neurodivergent traits as problems resulted in some unnecessary drama of my own making. I remember being told, for example, that due to factors beyond my control, such as growing up, “my special magic” as I called it was about to diminish and, although different words were used, would eventually “be cured.” I became very angry with how anyone could accept such an absurd situation (let alone it being the norm!) and I wanted to do something to change it on a world scale, but I did believe it could happen to me. In spite of that fear, I would persistently challenge societal norms, with no indication of desisting at any point. My constant desire to belong coexisted with a yearning to inspire others in being their most authentic self. In this pursuit, I thought that by feigning struggle and confusion about my abilities, I would appear more relatable, thereby inviting others to join me on this journey of discovery.

The problem with such an approach is it eventually manages to obscure your authentic self, even from you. As I understand it now, my journey was never about struggling to stay true to myself; rather, it was a process of unlearning the social masks I wore to please others. Art has been the cornerstone of this transformative experience.

Adina’s Artworld presents a retrospective of my childhood drawings, reinterpreted through my contemporary artistic lens. Being able to recall the intentions and thoughts that shaped each one of my early creations allows me to revisit these foundational beliefs and ultimately confront and re-evaluate misperceptions I have internalised, such as the notion of the “terrible struggle” it is to be at one with myself. The pure joy it has always been will hopefully be evident in the art.

Themes

• Abstract and Geometrical Works
• Landscapes, Flowers and Trees
• The Relationship with Animals
• Home and Foraging
• Fashion Design
• Cosmic Wonder
• Baby Woke
• The Fairy Tale Tradition
• Follow the Sun