Artist in residence

The Inspiration

Jon says: “My early experiences of having undiagnosed dyslexia and Asperger syndrome as well as being an abused and bullied student have had a marked impact on my creative work.

They facilitated my withdrawal into the private world of successful commercial illustration for twenty years where I gained a profound understanding on the hidden and the un-revealed which has emerged as a unique fine art practice.

“My recent fine art practice draws upon a wide range of materials and processes which include photography, video, sound recording and digital sound and visual manipulation,3D installations, traditional sculpture and illustration.

“As well as being research Fellow in Disability Arts within CCI (Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries) at the University of Portsmouth, I have had work commissioned by national organisations and I enjoy a close relationship with Pallant House Gallery in Chichester and the Arts Council (the other partners in the Alternative Platform Art Project).” Jon also works closely with DADA South, several major galleries and disability organisations in Southern England.

Why Southern?

Jon’s perspective:
“I was inspired to work with Southern after a journey I had on one of its trains and in particular by the conductor who was very friendly,” explained Jon.

Jon is very drawn to the southern main colour of green, which is a manifestation of Jon’s Asperger syndrome. He also has synaesthesia which means he tastes and hears colours in his environment. Many people with Asperger syndrome react to certain colours meaning that the environment is often frightening, noisy and can therefore be disabling.

“During my research I have travelled on Southern trains and interviewed passengers on their journey. All of this information helps me to create pieces to display.”

“I am delighted that Southern have allowed me to work with them. I see working with Southern as another part of my journey to help change attitudes towards dyslexia while creating art that entertains and excites people.”

Southern's perspective:

Jon first pitched his initial ideas to Southern’s Accessibility Manager who liked the idea so much that Jon was invited to come into the Southern’s offices and present his ideas for the Alternative Platform project to the Executive Board.

Because of the work Southern has been doing to increase the accessibility of its network to passengers, Jon’s project enhanced Southern’s own objectives. Southern is keen to help raise awareness of hidden disabilities to its passengers. The project allows Southern to do this through adding interest to the stations in the form of art whilst promoting and raising awareness to all to be aware of others needs, to be considerate and consider those who have a hidden disability.

Online downloads by Jon Adams

 Badges (317KB)
 Portsmouth to Redhill - Journey 17 (229KB)
 Portsmouth - Brighton - Journey 27 (134KB)
 Portsmouth - Brighton - Journey 21 (202KB)
 Dream Cut Out Cards (83KB)
 Goose on the Hill (28KB)
 Mini Journey Card 1 (44KB)
 Mini Journey Card 1b (44KB)
 Mini Journey Card 2 (48KB)
 Mini Journey Card 2 Green (48KB)
 Mini Journey Card 11 Red (27KB)
 Mini Journey Card 11 Green (27KB)
 Postcard 3 (21KB)
 Postcard (59KB)
 Tom's Journey (160KB)

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