unCAGE

 

 

unCAGE is a studio showcase presented by Amanda Alyise. It was created to commemorate the closing of her studio space, and features four signature works that highlight her struggle as a woman on the autism spectrum. 

Faced with a lifetime of Challenges and Apprehensions, she found a way to Grow and Endure, breaking free from the limitations she used to place on herself - especially as an artist. 

Each work features a thoughtful essay which gives voice to the emotions that she seeks to express. The first collection of its kind, Amanda hopes to continue to develop this series of work, and find a gallery to show these pieces of her soul. 

 

please enjoy this selection from the series, entitled, We’ll Be Home Soon

(apprehension)

The frustration burns deep within, though she cannot trace its source with certainty every time. Feelings of inadequacy fueled by the distaste of a generation. Anger that stems from a seeming inability to bear the weight of negative emotion. Trapped inside a labyrinth of despair, the only gasps of breath she gets she uses to vet her rage.

 

Trepidatious - there is a current of danger electrifying the air. It’s not the threat of death that looms, only the quiet fear that someone will discover she is merely an empty husk. Her breath cold. Her fire snuffed by ones she can no longer remember. The dread comes in wave which distort the sounds of her cries.

 

It’s okay. We’ve been through this before, and somehow we’ve made it through every time. Given space to accept the complexity of our nature, we always manage to find our way in the end. We just have to work together and we’ll make it home.

 

Check out my mini zine to read the remaining three essays and get the full synopsis of the show.