In commemoration of world autism awareness day on 2 April, Artotel Jakarta, this month, exhibits a distinctive collective exhibition which features the work of artists with autism. The brush strokes, the colour, and the whole visual idea itself are all manifested in 12 pieces.
Titled “The Gifted Ones”, the exhibition is held under Artotel’s Project Series in collaboration with London School Beyond Academy (LSPR) and Yayasan Daya Pelita Kasih. The exhibit is on the hotel’s mezzanine level. The artists, who range in age from 15 to 20 years, have created the paintings following long hours of training, including a three month workshop.
Bima Arisena Adisoma, Daya Olivia Korompis, Diego Luister Berel, Fero Adhimada Sardjono, and Fiecenzo Joel Hutahaean are among the many artists whose works are on display.
When one visits the exhibition, one is struck by an abstract painting with colour gradients and various strokes. An acrylic on 40 cm x 50 cm canvas painting “The Rock Cliff” by Bima Arisena Adisoma is about his childhood in Arizona, USA. His artwork has been exhibited since 2010, one of which was auctioned by Sotheby’s.
Fero Adhimada Sardjono created “Robomania” by using acrylic paints on canvas. It represents geometrical lines of the mechanic world which has become his signature.
Two artists have created abstract work, Fiecenzo Joel Hutahaean and Prilia Prapthining Dwi. Fiecenzo’s work is entitled “Smartphone and Fruit” with water colours.
Led by the art manager of Artotel Jakarta, Safrie Effendi, the exhibition is defined as the visual medium for young prodigies to go beyond the verbal with their imagination and translate it on canvas. During the process of workshops and mentoring, Effendi said although he found it challenging to get the artists to be in the mood to paint and create, but gave them the freedom to create. He was impressed at the artists’ ability to deliver their message through the visual medium
“We have to put them in a good mood and direct them with compassion and patience. As the matter of fact. At least we want them to communicate with the power of nonverbal communication,” Effendi said during the opening.
Photo courtesy of ARTOTEL Thamrin Jakarta/NOW!JAKARTA
According to Effendi, the most dominant expressionist – abstract painting is caused by their limitation in motor sensory perception as they sometimes used one main colour but were encouraged to diversify their colour palette. “We were also surprised that they could make beautiful and meaningful messages with their painting,” he noted.
The silent auction
“The Gifted Ones” Exhibition is also open for auctions where the guest of the hotel or art collectors can register and place their bid silently. The action officially opened on 5 April and runs until 17 May. The money earned from sales will be donated entirely to the two foundations, LSPR and Yayasan Daya Pelita Kasih. The money earned from the auction will be used to develop soft skills programmes and for art education at both foundations.
