Unveiling the invisible: Federation University exhibition highlights dyslexia and creativity
Federation University is proud to present "Visualising the Invisible," an art exhibition by Kim Percy, at the Post Office Gallery in Ballarat from Friday, 28 March until Saturday, 19 April 2025. This exhibition showcases the profound connection between dyslexia and creativity and underscores Federation University's commitment to supporting our students and enriching the community.
Kim Percy, an accomplished artist with a 30-year history in artmaking, and a lecturer, designer, and researcher in the Visual Arts, discovered her dyslexia later in life. Her research into dyslexia and art has unveiled the stories and struggles of many who navigate the world with this cognitive difference. Percy's work brings these invisible challenges to light, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation within our community.
"Visualising the Invisible" features a selection of Percy's recent works, blending drawing, painting, digital photography, video, and augmented reality (AR). This interdisciplinary approach amplifies her creative expression and provides a platform to explore the nexus of art and neurodiversity. Percy's research is pioneering in Australia, contributing new knowledge to this field.
Federation University is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. This exhibition is a testament to Federation’s support for students with diverse learning needs and its commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. By highlighting the unique strengths and perspectives of dyslexic artists, Federation University aims to inspire and empower our students and the broader community.
The exhibition will be formally opened on Friday, 28 March, at 5.30 pm by Vanessa Gerrans, CEO of Ballarat International FOTO Biennale, at the Post Office Gallery, Federation University, corner of Sturt and Lydiard St Nth, Ballarat, Victoria.
Kim Percy is supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend and RTP Fee-Offset Scholarship through Federation University Australia.
Head to the link to learn more: https://www.kimpercy.com/phd-exhibition
Quote attributable to Federation University student and PhD Candidate, Kim Percy
"Visualising the Invisible is doing just that. Through my research and my artwork, I am making visible a neurodiversity that has up until now, been invisible.”
“Dyslexia is often spoken about in terms of children and education, but it is seldom discussed as a cognitive difference in adulthood and almost never in visual art, despite a prevalence of dyslexia in creative practitioners. My exhibition highlights being dyslexic through paintings, photography, video and new media.”
"As a late-diagnosed dyslexic, I am interested in how I use dyslexic strengths, such as visual-spatial awareness, pattern recognition and narrative reasoning, in my art practice as it is the strengths that empower me to stand above the stigma surrounding dyslexia and help me to shine as an artist".
Quote attributable to Federation University Senior Lecturer, Visual Art, Dr Jill Orr
“The PhD journey is never easy but Kim Percy’s research into dyslexia and its manifestation in art and creativity is courageous, rigorous and meaningful. This work is at the forefront of emerging research through art.”
Quote attributable to Federation University Curator, Cultural Collections, Shelley Hinton
“This is a highly skilled body of work that immediately reflects the rigour involved in Kim Percy's research and artmaking and reveals how intelligently and eloquently the artist has created a window into understanding dyslexia and perceived societal attitudes, while more broadly highlighting the prevalence of neurodiversity within our communities.”
Image credit: Kim Percy, Oscillation of Disclosure, 2025, digital print, H120 x W120cm, Courtesy the artist