The illustration 'autism' by the french illustrator Isabelle Arsenault carefully communicates how parents can help their children who suffer from this disorder. The image was an editorial illustration for a particular article on autism, however, has been used for various articles and blogs, suggesting Arsenault portrays autism on a broader level and conveys an overall understanding of the condition. Autism has increased by a staggering amount in the last 20 years, and therefore these articles are being written to give parents, teachers and helpers a clearer understanding of how to understand what their child may be thinking or how to respond to various occurrences. There are many forms of autism, and each child is affected differently, but on the whole autism is a disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to other people.
The image shows a young boy sitting alone at a kitchen table, wearing a vacant and sad look upon his face. His arms are crossed, he looks lonely and withdrawn. However there is an opening in his head, where a bright red bird sits. Is the bird in a cage? This poses questions as to how the boy may be feeling. As though his emotions are trapped inside him. Some autistic children have difficulty in emotional empathy, and this can alienate them from others, even their parents. Possibly the mother is trying to coax some human feelings from her son.
The boy has no interaction with anything else in the image, but the bird and the outstretched arm offer a connection to the viewer. It implies that help is available, that someone is willing to delicately reach out and support the lost boy. The hand is not forceful or intimidating, however it is disconnected and stands alone which adds a beautiful hidden interpretation to be worked out.
The bright red bird contrasts completely with the icy blue background, and stands out as the main focus point when you first look at the image.
The bird and the seeds perhaps represent the connection between the young boy and the parent, that the situation cannot be tackled in one swift motion, but rather a relationship that needs to be built on trust, and overcome in small seed like steps. The seeds are potentially being sown, small connections that help the child and parent grow and bloom a happy relationship.
The colours in the illustration are used extremely well in conveying an atmosphere to the viewer. It really is a powerful portrayal of the relationship between mother and son. The way she communicates a message with her composition and symbolic meanings is clearly a talent Arsenault displays.
Isabelle Arsenault touches on a pressing issue in todays society in this illustration. The fact that the rise in numbers of children with autism is so high, is something that needs to be recognised in our communities and our homes. She illustrates the alienation an autistic child may feel, but approaches it with a solution, not just a problem. Its highly relevant in todays society to make people aware of the problems and situations that surround us, so that we can take on board these issues, and create a harmonious environment for all.
I chose this image because i feel it responds well to the article, and to the subject matter as a whole. I think her work is beautiful and delicate but holds a compelling message for the viewer to dissect. Autism is something that many people have heard of, but few know much about or understand. This illustration challenges us to ask questions. I discovered the image, and then i researched autism. The illustration captured my attention, and made me want to know what it was all about. Images in articles like these are becoming more and more popular, and i think for good reason. Captivating audiences, and speaking words with drawings is a beautiful and powerful thing, and Isabelle Arsenault has accomplished this charmingly here.
