Step into the inspiring world of LoveArtPix, a pioneering artist on a mission to raise awareness of neurodivergent conditions through art. In this insightful interview, he discusses the motivation behind his debut exhibition, the organic collaborations that brought together poets, tattoo artists, and more, and the powerful messages woven into every piece on display. Discover how LoveArtPix aims to spark greater understanding and celebrate the boundless creativity of the neurodivergent community.

1. What inspired you to create this exhibition and focus on showcasing neurodivergent creativity?

My ultimate goal has always been to raise awareness and encourage a better understanding of neurodivergent conditions. Since art has been my lifeline for expressing and processing my thoughts and emotions, it seemed only fitting to organise an exhibition on this topic. I figured it would reach a wider audience and help shine a spotlight on it, especially if it gained the right exposure. Creating art is a great way to convey emotions when words just don’t seem to work.

2. How did you come up with the idea to collaborate with such a diverse group of artists, ranging from poets to tattoo artists?

I wanted to show people that there are many neurodivergent creatives working across all kinds of mediums. I speak online with many talented ND individuals from around the world on social media who constantly inspire me. By sharing the spotlight with others, and hopefully promoting them, I can also attract different audiences to the exhibition.

3. Can you tell us more about how these collaborations came together and what the creative process was like?

Most of the collaborations happened organically. Being self-taught, I always like to push myself creatively, and collaborating is a great way to do that. Some of the younger collaborations were intended to boost the artists’ confidence and show them that anything is possible. A couple of the other artists are well established, but after speaking online, our shared love of art led us to work together. Each creative process varied but generally involved discussing a topic we wanted to focus on, then either adding to their piece or creating a fresh piece to accompany it – such as with the poem and a piece of music. Each artwork is totally different, and we’re all excited to share them.

All the pieces in the exhibition were created on the Picsart app. The Picsart team have given me a lot of support on my journey as a neurodivergent artist and will be attending the private launch. As far as I know, this is the first art exhibition in the UK where every piece has been created on Picsart, which is really exciting.

4. What message do you hope visitors take away from experiencing the exhibition?

I hope visitors realise that society isn’t experienced in the same way by everyone, especially those of us who aren’t neurotypical. On the surface, life might seem uniform, and people can struggle to grasp something they know little about – just as I did before my diagnosis. Some pieces in my collection include descriptions explaining what I’m experiencing in the art, and I hope that helps a wider audience gain a better understanding. I also want people to see that, despite the challenges, there is still an incredible amount of talent out there, especially creative talent.

5. Why did you choose the XYZ Building in Manchester as the venue for your first solo exhibition?

It happened by chance. I was in the reception area waiting for Clint Boon (from Inspiral Carpets and a DJ) to sign a piece of art I had created featuring various Manchester icons. The building manager saw it, asked if it was my artwork, and asked me to leave my details. We started talking, she loved my story, and got the area manager involved. They asked how they could help me get my story out there, and the rest is history! The management have been incredibly supportive. I struggle with daily tasks, and they’ve gone out of their way to help. I feel very fortunate to have met them and believe things happen for a reason. I’ve made lifelong friends there.

6. Are there any specific pieces or collaborations in the exhibition that hold a particularly personal significance for you?

Choosing a favourite piece is honestly very difficult. Every personal piece of art I’ve created carries deep emotions and memories, taking me back to how I felt during its creation. Some of those emotions are positive, while others are not, but they all contribute to the story each piece tells. A few of my works have never been shown before – there’s a collection of three that comes to mind – and I’m eager to see how people react to them.

I’m especially proud of all my collaborative pieces, each for different reasons. Some of the individuals I worked with poured so much time and effort into the process, even when they found it challenging. It was incredibly meaningful for me to serve as a mentor in some of these collaborations, and seeing the finished pieces – knowing how much they mean to the collaborators – makes it all worthwhile. Many of them have only seen photos of the work so far, so I’m really excited for them to experience the final result in person.

Another aspect of my art that’s very important to me is the pieces I’ve created to support charities. These works are donated, and if sold, all proceeds will go directly to organizations such as The Maggie Oliver Foundation, Anna Kennedy Online, and Our Dementia Choir. One piece, in particular, is deeply personal; I’ve dedicated it to a young woman who tragically lost her life to suicide last year. She and I shared similar comorbid conditions, and I relate to so much of her story. I’ve since become good friends with her mother, who is passionate about raising awareness and fostering understanding. Including this piece in the exhibition feels like an important way to honour her memory and share her story.

7. The exhibition includes contributors of different ages and locations. How has this diversity enriched the overall outcome?

This aspect could almost be a separate exhibition in itself. My experiences with each collaborator have been worlds apart—no two collaborations have been the same. I love that, and I think others will too when they see what we’ve created. Everyone involved has different conditions (e.g., ADHD, autism), different age brackets, different artistic talents, and even live on different continents. It feels very special to me, and I’m pleased to be able to showcase this. Collaboration is what life is about, and it truly brings people together.

8. How do you envision this exhibition impacting the visibility and appreciation of neurodivergent artists in the broader art community?

I hope it inspires other neurodivergent artists to be proud and share their experiences through art. There is so much misunderstanding about this topic—many people haven’t heard the term ‘neurodivergent’ and don’t realise there are two neurotypes (neurotypical and neurodivergent). One of the collaborative pieces features many famous people, both living and deceased, who are neurodivergent. I hope it encourages visitors to see things in a different light, leading to positive change.

9. Do you have any plans for future exhibitions or collaborations after this debut event? If so, what’s next for LoveArtPix?

I’ve just completed the first-of-its-kind Neurodivergent Art focus group for prisoners, which I believe was hugely successful. I’m planning to exhibit the artwork created there to show its impact at a later date. It was a very interesting and game-changing course that I think will significantly influence rehabilitation.

I also have a new art project that will be displayed in a high-profile location in Manchester next year, though I can’t share many details yet. The documentary – over two years in the making – covering my late diagnosis and art journey will be finished soon. They’ll be filming parts of the exhibition, and then it will be ready. The production company, Eklectics, have done an amazing job. I recently watched the first draft, and it was quite moving. I’m nervous about it coming out, but I believe that to create change, these stories must be told.

There are also a couple of book projects in the pipeline, including one with an award-winning author. I have many positive ventures on the horizon, all aimed at raising awareness and making a positive impact in society.

To find out about how I AM can offer support contact us at admin@i-am autism.org.uk or give us a call on 0161 866 8483

Related posts:

I AM Spring Ball 2025 Sporting Life: Mike Carr – Rugby, Community, and Connection