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Art exhibition sheds light on autism

By Zhang Junmian: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, April 1, 2012

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A charitable painting exhibition kicked off at the AOAart Studio in Beijing's 798 Art Zone on Mar. 31, creating a rare opportunity for people to develop a better understanding of autism, explore the inner world of autistic children, and see what autistic children can achieve when given opportunity.

A charitable painting exhibition kicked off at the AOAart Studio in Beijing’s 798 Art Zone on Mar. 31. [Photo by Zhang Junmian/China.org.cn]

The exhibition (Mar. 31-May 20), the fifth Autistic Or Artistic? Art (AOAart) Charitable Exhibition, is part of a series of "Art of the Innocent" events to mark World Autism Awareness Month in April. The event will display more than 100 imaginative drawings and paintings by more than 30 autistic children from all over the country. It was organized by the Beijing Association for Rehabilitation of Autistic Children (BARAC), China's first association for autistic children, founded in 1993.

Jia Meixiang, Vice Chairman of the BARAC, called on the public to join the association's efforts in helping the families of children affected by autism. Autism is a serious disorder that affects neural development.

Visitors are viewing the drawings and paintings at a charitable painting exhibition which kicked off at the AOAart Studio in Beijing’s 798 Art Zone on Mar. 31. [Photo by Zhang Junmian/China.org.cn]

Rika Ishihara is of Japanese-Chinese descent, and is a director at the BARAC. She said that autistic children often show spectacular talent in art or music. She is quoted as saying: "Because they [autistic children] are pure, simple and solitary, they have an innocence not often found in others. It's this innocence that enables them to focus on their artistic creations, and produce fantabulous paintings."

Qin Haiying, the mother of a 13-year-old autistic girl named Yuqing, was very pleased to see how Yuqing changed after she took up painting. She said: "Autistic children have trouble communicating with the outside world, and are usually alone and shut-off from others. Painting has helped children like Yuqing find an outlet to freely express themselves and better communicate."

"Painting has helped Yuqing improve her concentration and self-discipline. Initially she only painted with dark and somber colors, but as she continued to paint these colors became brighter and brighter. I think she is much happier than in the past."

Qin also recalled her internal pains and struggles when Yuqing was first diagnosed with autism. Qin said: "I once thought of committing suicide because I didn't know how to cope with this reality. However, I know I need to be strong as a mother. My daughter changed my view on life. She taught me that everyone should show tolerance and respect for others."

A visitor commented on the artwork with great affection saying that "Autistic children are just like beautiful days in April. They give us warmth and hope through their expressive paintings."

BARAC has additional exhibitions this April, including the Art of the Innocent-Autistic Artists Group Exhibition (Apr. 1-May 6) and the fifth Autistic Children's Painting Exhibition themed "Love under the sky" (Apr. 2-May 6).

Exhibition Information:

The Fifth Autistic Or Artistic? Art (AOAart) Charitable Exhibition:

Duration: Mar. 31-May 20, 2012

Venue: AOAart Studio

Address: 706 North 1st Street, Area B, 798 Art Zone, #2 Jiuxianqiao Rd., Chaoyang District, Beijing

Tel: 86-10-59789667

Email: aoaart@hotmail.com

http://aart.org.cn

Art of the Innocent-Autistic Artists Group Exhibition:

Duration: Apr. 1-May 6, 2012

Venue: C-NA Gallery

Address: A-05, 797 Rd., 798 Art Zone, #2 Jiuxianqiao Rd., Chaoyang District, Beijing