By Alberto Suris and the collaboration of Andrew Royce Fournier
Autism is a pervasive neuro-developmental condition which affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. People with autism may have a difficult time understanding ‘typical’ social cues and social behaviors, and they may face challenges engaging with those around them — either by using words or non-verbal behaviors. Affecting 1 in every 68 people in the United States, Autism is one of the fastest growing neurological conditions in the world. Although, due to the widespread emphasis on early detection and intervention, the condition is commonly associated with young children.
Without getting too involved in the subject, of which I admit not having much knowledge, I only use the previous paragraph to introduce Alexander Schwartz. As an autistic person, art provides Alex with a great sense of accomplishment, joy and self-love. Once or twice a week for two to three hours for the past two years, Alex meets with his art teacher, Andrew Royce Fournier, together; they explore shape, form, color and composition using mixed medias. Each piece created is a slight variation of a theme of line, shape, color and form. “Alex’s weekly journey is unplanned and each of his creations is raw and “in the moment. He just creates,” said Andrew.
“Alex knows that each piece he creates is his design and he is happy with the process. He draws his shapes, forms, numbers and letters in layers and then patiently and painstakingly colors them in. His art is layered, intricate and unexpected. The bright colors and geometric and organic forms create motion and energy for the viewer. The layered colors explode on the canvas surface. Alex’s process and completed works engage the viewers and encourages them to take part in his celebration. Alex’s creative space is a myriad of markers, paints, colored pencils, papers, canvas, cardboard and the sounds of music.
Alex listens to all types of music as he creates. Music plays a huge role in his expression. In the words of Wassily Kandinsky, “Music is the ultimate Teacher. Lend your ears to music, open your eyes to painting and …stop thinking! Just ask yourself whether the work has enabled you to ‘walk about’ into a hitherto unknown world. If the answer is yes, what more do you want?” Alex communicates with this colorful abstract language. He is a masterful and talented colorist, uninfluenced and refreshing. He uses the multi-medias to express his love. As an autistic person, art provides Alex with a great sense of accomplishment, joy and self-love,” ended Andrew.
Andrew Royce Fournier, is a Rhode Island School of Design Graduate and resident of North Andover.
Alex has his first exhibition of paintings at Lawrence Heritage State Park from February 3rd. to the 27th
