Dance To Your Own Beat

Measures W90cm x  H120cm

"Dance to your own beat" is a colourful piece of art measuring W90cm x H120cm that delves into the intricate emotions experienced by those who feel like they don't quite fit into the world around them.

The artwork is an expression of my experience in trying to be tested for ADHD, a condition that may explain the feelings of detachment I have had at various points in my life.

At first glance, you’ll see a riot of colours in various sizes, seemingly in a state of controlled chaos. These visual elements represent the complexities of life and how the world appears to be functioning harmoniously. Then a single figure emerges at the center, different from the rest of the piece. This central figure embodies feeling alien and disconnected from the surrounding world.

Within the center, smaller squares showcase the intensity of hyper-focus emphasising the internal struggle caused by ADHD. As the eye moves outwards, the details begin to simplify. This transition symbolizes the depletion of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to focus and attention, mirroring the challenges experienced by people with ADHD.

Notably, the top and bottom of the artwork are left intentionally bare, visually portraying the eventual depletion of dopamine. That emptiness is to illustrate the moments when I feel devoid of energy and unable to connect with the world around me.

With "Dance to your own beat” some may relate to the emotions conveyed, finding solace in knowing they are not alone in their experiences. Others may simply enjoy the colours and abstract forms, allowing them to interpret the piece in their unique way.

Ultimately, this was a personal experiment for me, where spending time on it led to a newfound acceptance of being different and being unique at the centre of my own world.

Hopefully, viewers can find encouragement to embrace their individuality and find beauty in the midst of chaos.