Creating Art Together with Children on the Autism Spectrum
There are still many things we don’t know about autism. One reason for this is that people with autism spectrum disorders often communicate in ways that are fundamentally different from ours, and as a result, their inner worlds remain shrouded in mystery. Sometimes, autistic individuals are considered to have delayed development, while the truth is that they have both special needs and unique skills. The goal of the musical project Intuition is to encourage children from the autism spectrum to develop and unleash these skills by offering them new ways of expression through music-making with various instruments in a group format. An idea by experimental musician Mirian Kolev and a production of the Capturing Creativity platform, Intuition aims to shine a light on the exciting universes hidden within these often silent and seemingly peculiar children, and to share their creativity with the world.
Now listen to part of the music album Intuition, and from October 10, 2024 on this page you will be able to hear the entire album.
A Matter of Intuition
As a devotee of experimental music-making, Mirian Kolev is highly intrigued to work with children from the Rainbow Day Center through the method of intuitive music-making. The result, as often happens in his own improvisations, is unpredictable, and the process of creating the music itself is the essence, the core, and the truth of the endeavor. The public presentation of the material gathered in the sessions aims to showcase the rare abilities and specific talents of the children, which can often surprise and impress us. Curating the performances that make up the album is also key to its growth as a work of art. For the musician, this is a rare chance to show autism in a new and positive light.
Intuitive Music-Making
Unlike conventional music, for which musical theories, tonal systems, and compositional principles have been written for centuries, intuitive music is relatively little known today. It represents a type of improvisation based on creation in the moment, without necessarily fixed rules. Instead of a traditional musical score, performers can be given various instructions and ideas – both verbal and visual.
Intuitive music-making is likely the ancestor of music – it emerged millennia before it was “discovered” and defined, and it lies at the very foundation of the musicality of Homo Sapiens. One of the goals of Intuition is to introduce the general public to some experimental musical practices, such as intuitive music and free improvisation. Mirian Kolev believes that without pre-set frameworks and expectations, music can be expressed directly – exactly in the way it flows from the children’s minds. In this case, what is important is not the musical skills, but the transmission of emotions through sound in its pure form.
Seize the Moment
The platform for creative activities Capturing Creativity is the brainchild of photographer Rosina Pencheva, who has long been passionate about capturing the elusive – the fleeting moments and ephemeral flashes in the ever-changing landscape of the creative process. With Intuition, she once again ventures into territory rarely trodden by the camera lens, to document the joint music-making of Mirian Kolev and the young participants from the Rainbow Day Center for Working with Children on the Autism Spectrum, Sofia. Her photo essay, as well as Mirian’s music album, the result of the joint work with the children, are in full harmony with Capturing Creativity’s mission to acquaint the public with creative processes in unexpected settings and to draw attention to interesting and important social topics.
Everybody Under the Rainbow
An indispensable partner in the joint endeavor Intuition is the Autism Association, with whose help the young participants from the Rainbow Day Center are involved. The association was founded in 2003 by parents of children and young people with autism spectrum disorders. The goal of the association is for people with autism to realize their potential and grow into worthy individuals, independent and well-integrated into society. Among the main activities of the Association are the provision of social services for children and young people with autism spectrum issues and the organization of daily activities and specialized training for both children and parents.
Live presentation of the music album Intuition
October 9 (Wednesday) from 19:30 at RCSI Toplocentrala, Sofia.
October 19 (Saturday) from 21:00 at TaM, Veliko Tarnovo.
Intuition is a cultural and artistic project conceived by Mirian Kolev, produced by Rosina Pencheva for Capturing Creativity. It is realized with the financial support of the National Culture Fund under the Socially Engaged Arts program, music direction, 2023, and in partnership with the Autism Association.
