June 13 - July 5

Mae Marvelle Leroux

Portrait of Dissociative Identity Disorder

Astoria Visual Arts welcomes Portland artist Mae Marvelle Leroux (she/they), a queer, neurodivergent artist presenting a collection of work created during the first three years following a diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).

The exhibit, Portrait of Dissociative Identity Disorder, features mixed media paintings that explore DID, a complex psychological condition in which a person experiences two or more Portrait of Dissociative Identity Disorder,distinct personality states, often referred to as alters or parts. DID is typically associated with severe and prolonged trauma experienced during early childhood.

For Mae, creating this body of work has been a profound journey of self-discovery and communication with the alters who helped them survive and endure traumatic experiences. Through the process, Mae has uncovered difficult memories while developing a deeper understanding of the many parts of self that carry and process trauma. Some pieces serve as cathartic expressions and deconstructed reflections of lived experience, while others embody resilience, care, and compassion. “There is no work more beautiful than the work of healing and self-discovery,” shares Mae, who draws inspiration from the color and movement of the universe, nature, music, and memory.