The opening of Lou M.’s first exhibition “Once Upon a Life” took place on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Accompanied by the artist, a series of illustrations were presented in the hall of the South Station in Nice. These works reflect the consequences of stigmatization of autistic and psychiatrized people on their mental health. The purpose of this exhibition is to raise awareness about inclusion and to convey a message of hope.
Originally, “Once Upon a Life” was intended to take only the form of a collection of short stories. Yet, after several months of hard work, thirty illustrations were created to accompany each short story. Budding artist, Lou M. selected twenty productions.
A member of the GEMA 06 association (Mutual Aid Group for Autism) for five months now, this artist has developed a passion for writing and drawing since her early childhood. This exhibition has become the symbol of her emancipation in the face of her fears.
Sponsored by the GEM Autism of Nice and supported by the South Station, these works can be admired until September 30 next, in the hall of the Provence Railway Station.
This project revolves around the emotions that Lou M. encountered during her journey, reflecting an autobiographical dimension. “I am an autistic woman with high intellectual potential, with mental health issues since my childhood,” confided the young artist in her presentation speech.
Thus, “Once Upon a Life“ tells the story of the reconstruction process of an autistic and psychiatrized person, showcasing the emotions of everyone. “The journey can be long but it is not impossible and that is what I am trying to tell through this exhibition,” declared Lou M.
The Path to Resilience
The exhibition was structured around a narrative framework, tracing all the emotions of a person in their initiatory journey towards resilience. Dark and negative thoughts begin the visit, such as death, anxiety, loneliness, despair and violence. “We are systematically confronted with prejudices,” lamented the budding artist.
As the circuit progresses, the represented emotions tell the story of a person reconnecting with herself, with creativity, dreams and love. “Through this, we will regain a sense of sociability, mutual aid, fraternity and sisterhood,” explained Lou M. The journey culminates in the feeling of legitimacy to exist, acceptance and self-respect. As a conclusion, the last illustration represents hope: “We are in darkness and then a door opens gradually, letting the light shine through.”
Hand-drawn, the sketches were digitized. Visitors discovered illustrations with precise contours, in black and white. “This represents everything that conforms to social expectations,” she stated. This choice illustrates the dichotomous thinking between autistic and psychiatrized people on one side and “normal” people on the other. The choice of grey pencil precisely compensates for this lack of nuance: “it allows imperfections to be revealed, it represents those who embrace their particularities.”
The works were printed on aluminum metal. For Lou, this choice of materials is not insignificant: “metal is solid, it embodies the rigidity of education, of the environment in which we grew up and what society imposes on us. But the flexibility of aluminum reveals that working on oneself through reflection and acceptance can allow us to reshape the metal in our own image.”
Art in the Service of Awareness
This exhibition tells the story of masking. “It is a conscious or unconscious practice for autistic people and especially for autistic women, in order to adapt to society and blend in,” explained Lou M. Through her speech, she addressed the repercussions that this adaptation strategy can have on physical and psychological health, such as anxiety, depression or burnout.
These artistic creations are an opportunity to break taboos and prejudices about autistic and psychiatrized people. “Ultimately, I think that this exhibition will resonate with everyone, whether they are neurodivergent or neurotypical with or without mental health issues,” expressed Lou.
She reminded that autistic people have their own ways of functioning and needs. However: “we are all seeking meaning, respect and recognition and the objective of this exhibition is to show that these people are simply seeking to exist.”
With “Once Upon a Life“, the role of art in sharing ideas and thoughts takes on its full meaning. “Creativity is the best way to express oneself and to break free from the imposed framework,” explained Lou M. This exhibition invites us to remember that autism and mental health issues should in no way justify exclusion, devaluation and fear.
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