Art gallery exhibition explores late-discovery of Autism and ADHD by local artist

Published: 02 Sep 2024 3:53pm

Wagga Wagga Art Gallery is launching an exhibition from local artist Tegan Bailey, Rediscovering Self; Layers of Late-discovered neurodiversity on Friday 30 August, to be open until Sunday 15 September 2024.

Featuring large mixed-media works on paper, Rediscovering Self; Layers of Late-discovered neurodiversity is Bailey’s first solo exhibition and draws on her own experiences of discovering her ADHD and autism as an adult.

Through sharing her deeply personal journey, Bailey’s art offers insight into themes of identity and growth, and the nuances of late-discovered neurodiversity for women and gender-diverse people.

“My art is a profoundly personal exploration of my journey following a late diagnosis of Autism and ADHD,” Bailey said.

“Through this exhibition, I work to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about neurodiversity, especially those faced by girls, women and gender-diverse individuals.”

The exhibition is being launched on Friday 30 August at 6pm and will be open until Sunday 15 September 2024.

Rediscovering Self is presented as part of the art gallery’s Regional Artist Development (RAD) Program, which supports local artists to mount an exhibition while receiving mentoring from gallery staff.

The gallery is also encouraging local artists and curators to apply for the art gallery’s 2025 RAD Exhibition Program.

Wagga Wagga Art Gallery Director Dr Lee-Anne Hall said the program offers a range of development and mentoring opportunities for local artists, and applications for 2025 exhibitions are currently open.

“The mentored exhibition is a great opportunity for local and regional artists to develop new work for exhibition and find new audiences.

“We have found that artists in the program benefit from critical attention and professional exhibition design, which shows their art to best advantage.”