Halker Heinks | The Visual Voice of Autism

“Heinks’ work is a clever translation of unique experience into universal language, in addition to a collection of gorgeous imagery.” states Samael Leopold-Sullivan, Interim Gallery Coordinator. “This exhibition works to bridge the gap between neurodivergent experience and neurotypical perception.” 

About the Exhibit:

Minnesota artist Harrison Halker Heinks examines reflective surfaces in his photography. By capturing multiple planes with one image, Heinks builds an experience where viewers can simultaneously look through, at, and in front of the subject. Uniting a single image from several layers evokes emotion with Heinks who intends to express how it feels to live with autism. “In my artwork, the things behind the reflection are my representation of the ordinary world; I live in the glass, being caught in another plane that runs parallel to the world in which everyone else lives.” By including self-portraits in some of his work, Heinks is motivated “to show how I sometimes see myself as in between reality and being overlooked by society.” Through his work, his voice emerges: “There is more to people with disabilities than what is on the surface.” In several underwater shots, Heinks takes this sentiment literally, diving beneath the surface to photograph both himself and others. According to Heinks, the results represent “seeing the world through a distorted and out of focus lens.” Ultimately, The Visual Voice of Autism connects to neurotypical viewers by creating an understanding of what it feels like to be living with autism.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

About the Artist:

Harrison Halker Heinks is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist who happens to have autism. His list of accolades includes multiple MN State Fair Blue Ribbons, a two-time National Scholastic Gold Medal Winner, and a VSA Emerging Young Artists grant recipient from the Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program and the Jerome Foundation.

Gallery Hours:

Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm

Saturdays: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm

Sundays: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm