After a lot of encouragement online… and from the fam…

Of course, the invite from the UN to speak on autistic art for Autism Awareness Day this year… and the international recognition that brought… didn’t hurt either.

So, I’ve made a gallery of my autistic-themed artwork with Saatchi Art. So far, 9 popular pieces. Over the coming weeks I’ll add about a dozen more.

Featuring limited editions and fine art repros of many images readers may already be familiar with…. along with new surprises.

Note: all paid subscribers may receive any image file for free, HD for display on devices.

More Images, descriptions on site

“This Is Not Autistic Joy,” original digital illustration by the author. Fantasy illustration, dark moody background, bright illuminated halo in the center. A human sits in the center in lotus pose, relfected in a serene pond at dawn or dusk.

“If You Meet a Saint along the Road,” original digital image by the Johnny Profane Knapp. In a surreal cubist collage, a female saint holds up her hand as another hand reaches around her throat. In the background crows, gas masks, syringe, pills, school bell, objects of control. Digital tools include AI.

“Cueless in Gaza, Under a Surreal Sun,” digital tableau by author. Under a surreal blazing desert sun, a young boy faces away from us staring at a fantasy Palestinian village & landscape. In silhoutte another boy looks on. Digital tools used include AI.

“Memories of Ilyad.” Iyad al-Halak was an unarmed, autistic Palestinian shot by Israeli police in 2020 when he did not respond to calls to stop.In the foreground, a wailing mother holds up a cellphone with a selfie of her now dead son. In the background, Israeli soldiers walk through yellow dust, apparently shooting at someone out of the scene.

“Portland Nights 2020“: Dark digital illustration from Portland Black Lives Matter protests in graphic novel-influenced style. On the right 6 police in dark battle gear stand in silhoutte wearing glass-masked helmets, gasmasks. Red interior lights shine from within their helmets. They hold various rifles and weapons, with red laser sights. In the background, swirls of yellow tear gas and piercing laser light from rifle sites.

“Calm Down,” digital tableau by Johnny Profane Âû. Closeup of a young boy’s face during a meltdown. He wears a birthday hat and is standing on a park merry-go-round. In the background a peaceful scene of people walking dogs in a village park surrounded by trees. In a cubist collage style with dark tones an vibrant colors. Digital tools used include AI.

“With Your Office Door Open,” digital tableau by Johnny Profane Âû. Closeup of a young man’s face during a meltdown. He appears to be exploding from the desk in his office cubicle. In the background a peaceful scene of people working quietly in a surreal office filled with cubicles. In a cubist collage style with dark tones an vibrant colors. Digital tools used include AI.

“Like a Meteor Smashing into My Backyard,” original manga illustration by the author. 4 panels show a young woman observing a falling meteor and finally exploding her into space. Pinks, neon blues, and purples. Digital tools used include AI.

Sample Artist’s Statement for “This is Not Autistic Joy”

NOTE: I discuss all the illustrations in detail on my Saatchi Art site.

Ever felt like your #AutisticJoy was… well, the WRONG kind of joy?

This piece is your validation. Intrigued?

Make it yours… Limited & open prints shipped.

Click & browse ALL my gallery of #Autistic Art on Saatchi:
👉 https://www.saatchiart.com/autisticaf

A little more info about my autistic art:

I’m Johnny Knapp Profane Âû, a 70-year-old pretend rock star turned digital artist.

Why pretend? Because life’s all cosplay, my friend. Intrigued? You can make my work your own…

Someone Once Said…
“Surrealism is just art for English Majors.” Might’ve been me. ¯\(ツ)/¯

The Origin Story
Born in 1953, I came into the world before autism was even a blip on the medical radar. I’ve seen it all, from the dawn of autism awareness to its current place in pop culture.

A Voice for Neurodivergent Art
In 2023, my art caught the eye of the United Nations, landing me a spot on their Autism Awareness Day panel. Curious? Watch the UN video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kx_PuJMaOc.

The Autistic Mind: My Creative Engine
Like Temple Grandin, I think in images—no, scratch that, I think in movies. Dialog, sensory details, locations, even the quality of sunlight, it’s all there in my mind’s eye. This isn’t something all autists experience, but many do.

My art clusters these related images, reflecting the unique grammar of my autistic mind… much like the language of movies.

If you’re autistic, you might feel seen for the first time. If you know or love someone who’s autistic, my art could be your window into their world.

The Many Hats I’ve Worn
I’ve lived a thousand lives in one. Meditation teacher, cult member, typesetter, editor, ad agency owner—you name it, I’ve been it. Three-time grad student, three-time husband, and yes, homeless three times. My journey has been anything but ordinary, and that’s what I bring to my art.

Why Art? Why Now?
After a lifetime of roles, I’ve found my truest expression in digital art. My style? A cocktail of Renaissance, cubism, and surrealism with a dash of ’70s surrealism. It’s an art lover’s dream, a conversation starter, a statement piece.

What’s the Deal with My Art?
My art isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s brain food. It challenges perceptions, sparks debates, and invites you to take a deep dive into the complexities of time and the autistic experience.

Can You Picture This in Your Space?
Imagine my art as the centerpiece of your living room, sparking conversations and challenging perceptions.

Ready to make that a reality?

For the Detail Lovers
For those who like to waller in the details, my art is a cosmic journey with breadcrumbs like redshift diagrams, A-bombs, and black holes. Like a “Where’s Waldo?” of my… and your… internal worlds.

Dive in and discover the hidden layers.

The Bottom Line
I may not have traditional credentials, but what I offer is something far more valuable: a lifetime of experiences, a unique autistic perspective, and art that invites you to think, feel, and question.

So, are you in?