Often it is said that an artist ‘speaks’ through their work—but for Elessa Russo, that’s quite literally the case. Diagnosed with autism at a young age, speech and language have always presented as obstacles blocking Elessa from communicating with the world around her. So in lieu of words, she draws. 

Elessa’s work doesn’t just talk; it sings. A maze of lines, curves, blocks, and dots, there’s something almost geographical to her work, as if illustrating a mind map only she knows how to navigate.

Favouring Texta’s over toys even as a toddler, Elessa has exhibited an interest in art from an early age. At just eight years old, she first gave voice to her autism by drawing a poignant image expressing ‘how the world makes me feel’; a lone figure of black scribbles on the page. Years later, another figure emerged, Elessa, in a prison cell. It was her way of conveying the complex emotions surrounding her diagnosis.

Since beginning art therapy two years ago, Elessa’s process and dedication has flourished. Drawing daily, her subjects and colour palettes continue to brighten, reflecting Elessa’s happier state of mind as she grows to accept and celebrate her individuality.

Unexpected colour combinations dance across each artwork, with fluorescent pinks and lime greens finding a hue harmony between chocolate brown and slate grey. Working experimentally yet methodically, Elessa turns the paper as she draws, constantly surveying and interpreting the picture from a different perspective, similar to how she interacts with the world.

Fittingly, every artwork is untitled. Instead, Elessa lets her drawings speak for themselves in a way she never could.