Exhibition highlights dyslexia and creativity

FEDERATION University’s Visualising the Invisible, an art exhibition by Kim Percy, is on show until this weekend at the Post Office Gallery.

The exhibition showcases the connection between dyslexia and creativity and underscores FedUni’s commitment to supporting students and enriching the community.

Percy, an accomplished artist with a 30-year history in artmaking, and a lecturer, designer, and researcher in the visual arts, discovered her dyslexia later in life.

Her research into dyslexia and art has unveiled the stories and struggles of many who navigate the world with this cognitive difference.

Percy’s work brings these invisible challenges to light, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation within the community.

Visualising the Invisible features a selection of her recent works, blending drawing, painting, digital photography, video, and augmented reality.

Percy’s research is pioneering in Australia, contributing new knowledge to the field.

“Visualising the Invisible is doing just that,” Percy said.

“Through my research and my artwork, I am making visible a neurodiversity that has up until now been invisible.

“Dyslexia is often spoken about in terms of children and education, but it is seldom discussed as a cognitive difference in adulthood and almost never in visual art, despite a prevalence of dyslexia in creative practitioners.

“My exhibition highlights being dyslexic through paintings, photography, video and new media,” she said.

“As a late-diagnosed dyslexic, I am interested in how I use dyslexic strengths, such as visual-spatial awareness, pattern recognition and narrative reasoning, in my art practice as it is the strengths that empower me to stand above the stigma surrounding dyslexia and help me to shine as an artist.”

Senior lecturer in visual art Dr Jill Orr said the PhD journey is never easy. “But Kim Percy’s research into dyslexia and its manifestation in art and creativity is courageous, rigorous and meaningful,” she said.

“This work is at the forefront of emerging research through art.

“This exhibition was a testament to Federation’s support for students with diverse learning needs and its commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community.

“By highlighting the unique strengths and perspectives of dyslexic artists, Federation University aims to inspire and empower our students and the broader community.”