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- Emily Noonan
Emily
Noonan
“The Norms”
“The Norms” is a peculiar yet whimsical collection based on a fictional society I fabricated; populated by odd bodies called ‘the norms’ namely; Norman, Normond, Norma, Normando & Normina. These neurotypical figures with their soulless appearances, combined with their intense observation, aims to create a sense of confusion and unease.
Through my collection and whilst retaining a playful mood I have looked at the idea of ‘neurodivergent masking’. This is a phenomenon whereby neurodivergent individuals determine and copy the behaviour of others.
Masking is a complex way for neurodivergent people to navigate a neurotypical world. It can include learning neurotypical attributes, copying behaviours in social settings, and hiding behaviours that other people may perceive as different or unacceptable. This constant conscious effort can be incredibly demanding, and make an individual feel as though their every move is being scrutinized; which is why throughout both my initial conceptual illustrations alongside my textile development I strived to create an atmosphere of being observed by the characters of my imagination.