Contemporary artistic practices as a vehicle for experimentation and expression in a group of adults with intellectual disabilities: “Art Laboratory”
Abstract
This article addresses the use of contemporary artistic practices as a vehicle for experimentation and expression with a group of adults with intellectual disability. Through a case study, based on participant observation, we analyse the challenges of using the so-called "visual thinking strategies" (Yenawine, 2013), a method that facilitates dialogue about the works and the creation of collective meanings. From the analysis of the results, it is clear that these strategies allow the creation of a space for communication and reflection in the group of people with disabilities, requiring no more adaptations than those necessary to overcome physical barriers. Satisfaction and the desire to get involved in creating collective fictions based on personal experiences were observed. The motivating role of some artistic media, such as video or photography, was highlighted, which showed the possibilities of artistic practices as a tool for discussion through debate and collective creation.
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