Divergent

The mind can deteriorate for a multitude of reasons, Alzheimer's being one. Through divergent, the story of an artist's declining mind and their relationship with this disease is depicted by focusing primarily on one drawing through recorded drawing sessions. The mark-making sounds in the final recorded audio documentary give insight into the artist's emotions, thoughts and lack of during the creation process. The 'final' drawing, either finished or unfinished, is left up to the viewer, as it could be said that the silence is the final stage of the drawing, concluding the work and the disease.

Final work with audio

Untitled (2025) Willow charcoal, compressed charcoal and 57 pencils on 1.5 × 2.5m 200gsm Fabriano paper.

Phototgraph credits: Claire Adams

The pencils; All the ideas and drawings that will never happen now.

Close ups of divergent final piece

Drawing in alternative install

The drawing and audio installed in the studio space. This installation is a visual continuation of the final work and audio.

The space has been left 'untouched' from when the artist last had contact with the artwork. This symbolises that the artist has passed away or may no longer be able to continue the piece, as their cognitive abilities have worsened and they are unable to create art anymore.

Close ups of alternative install

The process of creation of this final drawing, all captured within this MP3 and headphones, sat in the space as if the artist listened to music, and this was the final spot they sat them.

Process & Developmental work

Untitled (2025) willow charcoal, condensed charcoal and pencils. A5 mark-making experiments

Untitled (2025) willow charcoal, condensed charcoal, and pencils on A1 paper. Developmental piece exploring the final work process prior to it's creation

Close ups of A1 developmental drawing

The pencils

Untitled (2025) 66 staedtler pencils.                                                                                          Staedtler pencils; everyone knows and has used one, just as most people know someone affected by Alzheimer's through a family member, etc.