AS part of the upcoming George Town Festival (GTF) 2021, an ‘AR/UTISTIC Diaries on the Spectrum’ art exhibition, showcasing art pieces created before and during Covid-19 pandemic by an artist living with autism, will be held at Ming Fine Art Gallery in St Jo’s Gurney Paragon Mall, from July 9 to July 18 this year.
The event, which will feature art pieces by the Penang-based artist Frankie Lim, aims to promote acceptance and authentic social inclusion of individuals with autism disorder spectrum.
It will be held from 10am to 10pm.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said this was in line with the festival’s theme – ‘A Festival for Everyone’.
“April is a World Autism Awareness month, which is a month dedicated to increasing the understanding and acceptance of people with autism.
“As GTF 2021 embraces the theme ‘A Festival for Everyone’, we hope the exhibition will provide a platform for creative talent, including the differently abled.
“It is through these mechanisms that we can start focusing on fostering a society that breaks existing boundaries to create a united community.
“After all, Penang has always been a state that champions inclusivity. We constantly appreciate our similarities and celebrate our diversity.
“I am delighted to see GTF 2021 taking a proactive approach in practising inclusivity and diversity by giving the ‘AR/UTISTIC Diaries on the Spectrum’ art exhibition a much-needed platform,” he said in his speech when announcing the art exhibition details at Ming Fine Art Gallery in St Jo’s Gurney Paragon Mall today.
The art pieces, created during the pandemic and lockdown, see Lim exploring themes of growth, joy, fear, sadness, and isolation while demonstrating his desire to connect with others.
Also present were Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, Lim, and GTF 2021 director Jack Wong.
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Story and pix by Edmund Lee