Autism is a better-known condition today than ever before – featured regularly by news outlets, researchers, and across social media. Professionals in the field of autism have advocated long and hard to let the public know that it is a type of behavioral spectrum disorder characterized by challenges in communication and socializing. People with autism may also display repetitive behaviors and have different sensory experiences than others.
Although, if you are still interested in what it means to be autistic, then check out the amazing photography series from San Francisco-based artist Timothy Archibald. The experienced photographer, known for taking ‘empathetic’ and ‘human’ photos, dug into a very personal space to share his outlook on autism.
An Intimate Photography Series
Inspired by his own son, Elijah, who was six at the time, Archibald shot a series of photos from the heart. He started by capturing Elijah’s unique quirks and habits on camera. Most of the photos seem to find Elijah in a state of play, and others in moments of unrest or sadness. Naked, clothed, playing with a cardboard roll, chewing a set of pliers, and laying in the grass outside are all elements of the photos. Several photos also capture art and writing from Elijah himself, which contextualize the photos further. (1)
Critics Response
Archibald, nearing 50, told the Daily Mail that his photos attracted a mixed response. Some people have thanked the father for being open, spreading awareness, and confronting a few of the stereotypes associated with spectrum disorders. Other commentators have lashed out against the series and accused Archibald of using Elijah as a ‘human guinea pig’.
However, Archibald stands by his initial hope for the photo series, which was to make people more accepting of the ‘imperfect’. He also told Autism Speaks, “Time and time again I get notes and photos from parents who really feel they see their kid in these photographs Eli and I made”, and “[My son] may not be “perfect”, but nature isn’t perfect. So let’s accept it, be upfront about it, let him be proud of it, and here, let us define it ourselves.” No doubt there is an emotional struggle in Archibald’s photos concentrated towards parents of autistic children, especially as the photos were shot from a parent’s eye.
At the time the photos were taken, Elijah was a happy participant in his father’s work. (1)
Autism Explained
Though the photos from Elijah and Archibald don’t address all aspects of autism, Archibald published a book alongside the series. Titled ‘Echolilia/Sometimes I Wonder’, the book is an awarding collaborative effort between the son and father. The book particularly focuses on how the duo struggled to understand one another and found salvation in art. Archibald explains his photography project in the book too. Copies can be purchased from timothyarchibald.com. (2)
Today, Elijah is nearing 17 years of age and his father continues to be a total photography nerd by capturing the world as he sees it. Though no updates have been provided as to how Elijah is coping out in the world, we hope the two are still making art together and continue to grow their relationship!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timothy_archibald/
