About
Láyla Messner is an autistic art activist who grew up in the wilderness. Based out of Canmore, Canada, she creates abstract expressionist acrylic paintings. Her work explores themes of instinct, while centering autistic and disabled joy.
Her exhibition history includes “Her Little Pocket of Happy” virtual solo exhibition (2019), Jungian Circumambulation of Covid-19 public art project (2020), MMM Firmian Howse Peak Memorial exhibit (2022), “Momentum” RISE Emerging Artist exhibit (2023), and the Three Sisters Gallery “Imagine” exhibit (2024).
Láyla studied at the Lane School of Art in Decatur, GA and earned an Individualized Master of Arts from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT, where she wrote her thesis on the link between trauma, memory, body, and voice.
Her search for authentic language took her on a journey from writing young adult sci novels, to experimental writing in an authentic neurodivergent voice which didn’t comply with conventional publishing standards, to painting, to abstract expressionism. In 2022, at age 40, she was diagnosed autistic, freeing her up to trust her instincts in her work.
Now she is an artist, speaker, and community-builder, raising awareness about high-masking autism and invisible disability. The best way to connect with her is on Instagram (@laylamessner).
“Layla works magic through her art. The magic she works is chain-breaking magic. She wants to free people of anything that makes them feel trapped or powerless. Everything she makes comes from that core place of wanting to help people be free. She’s been through all these things that allow her to understand foundational truths to being human and so her work is easy to resonate with.”
Dani Redfern – Award-winning designer & advocate for the arts
