On Empathy is New York-based artist Sima Schloss’ first solo exhibition, and showcases a growing comfort with self-disclosure in the name of advocacy for neurodiversity. Neurodiversity identifies a range of ways in which individuals interact with the world that are not considered “neurotypical” including learning disabilities, ADD, ADHD, neuro processing disorders, and beyond. Schloss says of the exhibition, "On Empathy is about my journey of processing a myriad of emotions while learning to forgive both myself and others."

Through this exhibition, Schloss, who identifies as neurodivergent, seeks to access both her own experience and question others’ perceptions. Describing the show, she says, “[it] is about the human experience. My experience of loss, betrayal by others, yet being able to put myself in other people’s shoes, and letting go.” Schloss’s neurodiversity affirming practices of both journaling and creating artwork will be exhibited. Internationally acclaimed artist and co-founder of Hilma’s Ghost, Dannielle Tegeder, says of Schloss’s work, “Sima's painting explores psychological aspects of neurodiversity through her personal experience. She explores the medium of drawing as a way to depict the incommunicable and explore different emotive states. Her self-portraits…speak to the power of art to open complex dialogues around mental health.” 

In seeking to foster empathy in herself for others, Schloss also encourages visitors to consider where they can have more empathy in their own lives.  The artist states, “My works, through their instability, intensity, use of the gaze, and unique forms of figuration offer viewers a chance to focus. They are both a self-portrait and a mirror for its audience.” 

On Empathy is on view at ShowUp from May 3rd to June 2nd, 2024, in conjunction with a parallel solo exhibition, Sightlines, featuring the work of Boston-based artist Elisa H. Hamilton.