'So often being dyslexic is framed as ‘not-knowing,’ ‘disability’ or needing fixing but this project took the other position that dyslexics are the experts about their lived experiences. Through collaborative exploration using digital collage this exhibition explored what it means to think as a dyslexic from a dysleXic perspective.'
These are the words of Dr Ruth Gibbons who curated this exhibition for the Franklin Arts Centre.
A workshop was also part of the exhibition.
'Being DysleXic' was an introduction to dyslexic knowledge and focused on lived experiences and discusing NZ experiences of being dyslexic. There was a chance to explore what it means to be dyslexic in an active and flexible workshop where individual's experiences as a dyslexic was empowered and those who have no experience of dyslexia could come and learn. The workshop was dysleXic-centric privileging dysleXic ways of seeing the world.
Dr Ruth Gibbons
Ruth Gibbons is a Visual/ Sensory anthropologist who is interested in interior dialogue, memory, imagination, silences and bodily perception through a collaborative arts practice. Her work centres around a multi-layered multi-media approach to understanding lived experience by using digital animation, sculpture, soundscapes, experimental film and digital collage to explore peoples lived experiences. Ruth currently teaches courses in Anthropology at Massey University, Auckland. Her interest continues in understanding dyslexia from a dyslexic point of view which began during her PhD whilst doing research in NZ and the UK. The current project explored dyslexic thinking from a dyslexic perspective.