In Tension
A collaboration between Fife Contemporary and artists from Neuk Collective
Welcome to In Tension
In Tension is an online exhibition produced in collaboration with 16 neurodivergent artists from Neuk Collective.
In the summer of 2024, Neuk Collective produced the exhibition, Neuk Perspectives, at Patriothall Gallery in Edinburgh. Featuring work by 43 neurodivergent artist members of the collective, the exhibition sought to explore aspects of exhibition and art making through neurodivergent experiences. It also explored ways in which exhibition curators, makers and designers can make exhibition visiting experiences more welcoming and available to members of the neurodivergent community.
In Tension has been born out of conversations between members of Fife Contemporary’s team and Neuk members. Fife Contemporary have been developing an online exhibitions programme since 2017, and has seen the value and design of these exhibitions evolve as all our relationships with online engagement have changed since the pandemic. In Tension is inspired by Fife Contemporary’s most recent exclusively online exhibition Life Lines, which showed how digital exhibitions can act as a life line to those still experiencing medical isolation from the pandemic.
In Tension has enabled Fife Contemporary and Neuk members to explore together how digital exhibitions both benefit and present new challenges to neurodivergent artists.
About In Tension
In Tension encapsulates the divide felt by many neurodivergent artists between multiple contradicting factors. For example, the desire to participate in tension with the need to do so on their own terms. Or, the authentic need to make and see work set against the social pressures required of an artist to network and self promote – something particularly challenging to many neurodivergent people. The balance between external pressures, deadlines and administrative work and the need to find space where a creative, neurodivergent brain can make work and flourish.
These can be pressures and tensions felt by most people – artist or not; neurodivergent or not. So it is hoped that anyone visiting this online exhibition will find artists work that they can understand, feel and relate to.
In Tension was curated to a theme discussed and developed by Neuk artists, including Helen Boden, Eleanor Buffam, Gaelle Chassery, Vix Fowler, Jane Francis, Louise Fraser, Beth Hamilton, Tzipporah Johnston, Libby Lilburn, Lar MacGregor, Kathleen McVey, Aitor Moncho Tudanca, Jeni Reid, Victoria Ross, Rachel Stanley and Ailsa Turner-Gibb.
Throughout its development this exhibition has been an opportunity for learning between Neuk Collective Artists and Fife Contemporary’s team. Exhibiting artists have been able to gain an understanding how their work can be seen and communicated to online audiences clearly and accessibly in an exhibition format.
Fife Contemporary have been able to learn in an atmosphere of openness, mutual respect and positivity, how to improve communication and provide neurodivergent artists with suitable and meaningful support. Enabling all of us to achieve our aims and participate collectively and fully in exhibition making processes.
