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Artist in residence

Art on Southern

What is it all about and who is behind it all?

Have you seen something surprising on the network? look out as there is art about!

Southern teamed up with Portsmouth based artist Jon Adams who provided interest and interaction for passengers whilst travelling on the Southern network, at the same time promoting accessibility and hidden disabilities.

Jon was appointed as Southern’s first Artist in Residence. See the sections below for information about Jon, his art, his residency with Southern, where and what you can find across the network, and some art for you to take away.

Artist in Residence

Southern’s first artist in residence between 2007-2009 - John Adams has lived most of his life with undiagnosed dyslexia and Asperger syndrome, a condition characterised by difficulties with social interaction, social communication and flexibility of thinking or imagination. He fought hard to overcome the condition when he was young and after leaving school Jon successfully trained to become a geologist.

From the age of six Jon always wanted to be an artist but due to issues experienced whilst at school this ambition was stifled when a precious drawing was ripped up in front of his class because he had spelled his name incorrectly. After that, he kept his artwork hidden and exclusively for himself.

While waiting to do a PhD he worked at the Barbican art gallery and being inspired by the art he saw, his dream of becoming an artist was re-awakened. His first step was to become a book illustrator, a job he did for many years and it was during this time that Jon discovered he was dyslexic. “I found out in 1999 that I had dyslexia and after hiding my difficulties for most of my life, I realised I wasn’t stupid once my condition was diagnosed.” Jon moved on to producing contemporary art and the piece he was most noticed for was a book, which he nailed to a wall to highlight that attitudes towards dyslexia still need to change.”

This project came about after Jon’s frustration with being embarrassed about filling in a form one day for an art exhibition and misinterpreting the questions. This led him to come home and nail a book to the wall which he had painted over most of the words effectively crucifying the feelings of low confidence he had.

The nailed book including part of the wall to which it was nailed, was seen at an art surgery and Jon was advised to show it and other ideas to the Arts Council. Jon’s connection with DADA South (Disability Arts Development Agency) developed out of the liaison with the Arts Council which has led him to having the confidence to start showing his work and to work with other artists. This was the start of his journey.

Learn more about the artist Jon Adams