A Manifesto for Interdependent Experiential Abstraction (IdEA)

Developed through and with JD Derbyshire

“It’s takes two to make an image” Jean-Luc Godard

Interdependent Experiential Abstraction (IdEA)

1. Is the non-representational aesthetic outcome of an interdependent exploration of materials, between artists’ whose bodies, minds and languages don’t conform to ableist societal expectations or norms.

2. Stimulates both sighs of relief and sparks of excitement.

3. Strives to create spaces and experiences that are physically comfortable and conceptually uncomfortable.

4. Prioritises the use of visual and non-verbal communication.

5. Can be scaled up or scaled down.

6. Adapts to the artists participating and is built upon the premise that one size fits one

7. Is created only through ongoing consent by all those involved.

8. Is created in free, accessible, caring, brave spaces without the presence of police or other oppressors

9. Is premised by the understanding that Deaf, disabled and mad bodies are inherently disruptive to current constructs of what abstraction is, who it is made by and who it is intended for.

10. Is created, through and with, each artist until the work is done.