Timothy Archibald's Echolilia portrait series was borne out of a desire to understand and bond with his autistic son Elijah. Archibald used the project as form of therapy, a way to understand and accept his sons diagnosis.
The series reveals Eli's relationship and interaction with the objects around him, offering an anomalous perspective to communication and self-expression. Archibald comments, "I never wanted [Eli] to think that he was normal. I wanted him to be aware of how different he was and see that as an asset."
Archibald stepped out of his comfort zone by relinquishing the artistic control he's used to enjoying in his profession as a photographer, and instead allowing his son to take the lead. The end result is a photographic series that captures a rarely revealed view of the world.
Poignant Autism Photography
Timothy Archibald's Echolilia is a Father-Son Bonding Project
Trend Themes
1. Autism Awareness Photography - Business professionals in the photography industry can leverage on the trend of autism awareness photography by partnering with autism organizations or creating campaigns that raise awareness about autism and celebrate autistic individuals and their families.
2. Neurodiversity Representation in Photography - The trend of neurodiversity representation in photography can offer business professionals in the media industry valuable opportunities to create inclusive content that accurately represents the diverse experiences of neurodiverse individuals and their families.
3. Collaborative Therapeutic Projects - The trend of collaborative therapeutic projects in the creative industry can offer business professionals the opportunity to create impactful projects that promote healing and self-expression in marginalized communities.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Professional photography companies can leverage on autism awareness photography to create inclusive photography services and campaigns that celebrate neurodiverse individuals and their families.
2. Media - Media companies can utilize neurodiversity representation in photography to create inclusive content, improve representation of neurodiverse individuals in the media, and promote positive advocacy for neurodiversity.
3. Creative Therapy - Creative therapy companies can leverage on the trend of collaborative therapeutic projects to provide specialized services that promote healing and self-expression for neurodiverse individuals and their families.