Writing a Dissertation as a Neurodiverse Visual Artist.

Photograph by Babs Cooper. Edited by Jill Boyd.

My premise was that accessibility should be one of the themes of my MA Photography, alongside justice, social engagement and equality.

I envisaged an MA done on a mobile (cell) phone which represented an accessible resource that has a familiar presence in wealthy countries. The devices themselves represent a socioeconomic divide within these countries, where up-to-date or the latest models represent a degree of affluence due to their newness and subsequent cost. I am aware through my experience that access is an issue for those in receipt of benefits (in the UK) including those without permanent housing/ or homeless. Access to the Internet, data allowances, functions can be variable.

The portability of a mobile phone with a camera feature, as well as how one might be perceived by the public whilst taking photographs may change in concept and skill level. Ethically, both a DSLR/SLR camera and a mobile phone present ethical considerations to be made. The subject of ethics will be discussed in another post.

It felt appropriate that I completed my dissertation on my mobile, as a blog, where linear presentations were neurodiversely challenging for me. My love of spider diagrams , which in themselves represent neurons almost, mirror how I tend to work and are organically manifested. I collaborate with elements of spontaneity in the context of topic and engage the viewer, taking them on a journey of interactive discovery.

Welcome to MY world.