Young artists, mostly on the autism spectrum and from various disability groups, showcased their works in ARTablado’s latest exhibit “Artklusibo: Kami Ang Bida!” at Robinsons Antipolo.
Since its launch in 2020, ARTablado has aimed to develop, promote and preserve Filipino culture and arts by providing spaces in various Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) properties for art awareness, education, and appreciation.
Believing in the power of communities in achieving its vision of bridging people and preserving cultural identities, ARTablado has been connecting the public with emerging artists and art groups from across the Philippines.
April is Autism Awareness Month and in line with this occasion, ARTablado has partnered Antipolo PWD Home in showcasing the works of artists with autism as well as those from the deaf, down syndrome, and ADHD communities, and physical disability community.
On show are the works of 22 artists from the Antipolo PWD Home collective: Annie C. Duque, Anthony Viquetor C. Cadiz, Ariel Romedillo, Avryelle Glow O. Mallari, Bryan Luha, Christian Pio A. Royo, Daniel Philip Acerden, Faye Bethany B. Jaynos, George Cyril Luiz L. Saldo, Gian Vincenzo K. Laureano, Jaiden Caleb D. Verzosa, Jaiden Jaione S. Madridano, Jasper Tristan C. Espares, Jerold Vicente, Leonard Jesse B. Agpi, Ma. Andrea Antonnia C. Sula, Ma. Elaine M. Loto, Maxim Jaemie Asuncion, Revin Christian B. Hatol, Sean Arthur T. Villaraza, Sebastian Zeb A. Castillo, and Yuan L. Mancilla.
Art therapy is an important component in managing one’s neurodivergent condition as it boosts sensory processing, develops fine motor skills, and becomes an outlet for communication and self-expression. Thus, venues like ARTablado are positive forms of engagements for persons with autism and those with special needs.
“The concept for ArtKlusibo: Kami ang Bida started when we saw the talents of the kids in painting and coloring. We also saw their potential to be among our well-known artists one day, if only they could be given the chance to be seen and given a venue to showcase their works,” said Caroline Hatol, one of the pillars from Antipolo PWD Home.
On why Antipolo PWD Home has chosen to partner with ARTablado, she said: “First we are aware of the support that ARTablado has been giving the PWD sector especially in bringing out the artistic talents of the community members. And second, given the location of the venue, we are confident that the works of the children will be viewed by a wider audience. The paintings are on sale but more important is that more people will be inspired and made aware that more children with special needs can really contribute to society. No one is left behind.”
For teachers with special-needs students, the challenge could be daunting but rewarding nonetheless.
“A teacher needs to give clear instructions to let students understand the lesson properly,” said art mentor Pol Mesina of ARTipolo. “You need to know what the child’s disability level is. Then, the teacher should demonstrate first the activity to the student. We’ve had several encounters with students with disabilities but the outcome has been good especially when the parents give their support. It’s a good feeling if a student accomplishes an art work and has it sold as well.”
From paintings of flowers in full bloom, nature and animals, people, everyday scenes, to the vibrant colors of abstract shapes and lines, the honesty conveyed by the young artists gives a sense of delight to the eyes of their beholders.
Revin Christian Hatol, an artist on the autism spectrum, said that learning how to paint was a “relief from a busy world.”
“I’m happy to have been able to draw and to color, too,” added Ma. Andrea Antonnia Sula, one of the artists from the ADHD community.
“I am happy because I love painting! I love the arts!” said Jaiden Jaione S. Madridano, a student of Sta. Cruz Elementary School, a person on the autism spectrum.