Greek Cycladic and Coast-Indigenous Ecuadorian Culture: An Art-Based Engagement Ethnography Research on the Cultural Impressions of Indigenous Neurodiverse Adults (Culture grecque des Cyclades et culture autochtone de la côte équatorienne : une recherche ethnographique d’engagement fondé sur l’art portant sur les impressions culturelles des adultes autochtones neurodiversifiés)

Abstract

Cultural impressions and their significance can be studied through art making. However, limited research has explored how it is expressed by people with disabilities. This arts-based engagement ethnography research examined the possible connections between Greek-Cycladic and Coast-Indigenous Ecuadorian culture through the art making of people with mild intellectual disabilities. The purpose was to document the importance of cultural diversity in art therapy practice and the potential for cross-cultural exchange and inspiration. Although the two cultures existed separately from each other, historically and geographically, it is worth examining Indigenous symbols that developed in parallel. The connections of ancestral art and cultural tradition are often lost, especially within underprivileged social groups, such as the minority of people who are neurodiverse, whose art is not often the subject of research. Findings were based on fieldwork done on-site in both locations on the cultural representations and art making of people with intellectual disabilities. Cultural references were drawn from the Museum of Cycladic Art, Greece, and the Salango Museum, Ecuador. Issues of intersectionality of identities and practising art therapy with cultural humility when working in cross-cultural contexts and with underrepresented groups were discussed.