Artistic strength of youths with autism

THE waterfront area in front of Masjid Jamek Kuala Lumpur came alive with a showcase of enchanting artwork by more than 40 special needs youths at “Kinder Arts by Special Artists”.

Organised by the Caring Cluster Foundation (CCF), the event at the River of Life site is aimed at raising awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Malaysia.

CCF chief executive officer Michael Plascow spoke about the foundation’s goals to show the public the exceptional talents of youths with disabilities, as a way of helping them and their primary caregivers.

Kunasundary and her son John joyfully showing off artworks in his first public competition.

“This event marks a significant moment as it is the first art competition of its kind to be held at the city’s iconic site.

“Its primary focus is not about money-making but rather in fostering a positive perception of individuals with disabilities.

“The art competition is part of a series of projects the foundation plans to organise in the future to raise awareness and funds,” he said.

Competition winner, judged on emotional expressions, creativity and colour combination. – Photos: CHAN TAK KONG and ETHEL SIAO/The Star

Also present were former Health minister Khairy Jamaluddin and his wife Nori Abdullah, who are parents to a child with autism.

“Their presence here today is free of political agenda.

“We invited them to provide inspiration for other parents of children with autism, by sharing their own experiences,” said Plascow.

Plascow says the event’s primary focus is fostering a positive perception of individuals with disabilities.

With the competition promising to be a liberating experience for participants, the youths were free to draw using any tools and had no theme restrictions.

Art pieces were judged based on emotional expressions, creativity and colour combination.

The panel of judges included Truefaces Creation managing artist Allen Tan.

Parents having fun with their children who took part in ‘Kinder Arts by Special Artists’.

Tan told StarMetro that art was a vital form of expression for people with autism and it served as a bridge towards understanding them.

“You can understand the children’s emotions based on the colours they use.

“Vibrant colours often indicate happiness while darker shades may signify gloominess or sadness,” said the 69-year-old former cartoonist.

Parents having fun with their children who took part in ‘Kinder Arts by Special Artists’.

Volunteering his efforts to aid the less fortunate, Tan has donated paintings to the foundation and also assisted in designing the event logo.

“I am doing my best to help these children because their struggles resonate with me.

“I hope this event promotes greater social acceptance for children with autism by encouraging them to engage more in public activities,” he said.

Parents having fun with their children who took part in ‘Kinder Arts by Special Artists’.

S. Kunasundary, mother of 25-year-old John Hananiah Ravi, was happy with his first participation in a public event.

“This event offered a valuable opportunity for people with autism to engage without disabilities being a barrier.

“Fostering social acceptance and awareness for special needs is important.

“Society should recognise that there are such talented children out there,” she said.

Competition prizes included cash, two cameras and a printer. Additionally, participants received a certificate from Khairy as a token of recognition.