“I think it’s called ‘Door’? I can’t remember!” Ainaa laughs. “It’s basically everything you’re looking for when it comes to a door. Where do you want to go, or where do you want to be? It all depends on how you look at it.”
It’s a lovely piece of work. What’s even more impressive is that its artist lives with type-3 spinal muscular atrophy, a condition affecting the neuron cells that control voluntary muscle movement.
“It wasn’t easy to do. I spent about two weeks on it. It needed full concentration, and because of the tremors in my hands, it took me longer to finish.”
The 28-year-old is among those who feature in “Art for Rare”, an exhibition showcasing the works of eight emerging local artists who live with rare diseases.
Organised by FriendenArts, the exhibition aims to raise awareness of rare diseases and disabilities, and the challenges faced by those who live with them.
On display are about 90 artworks from Ainaa, Branden Lim, Eugene Ngan, Jaden Lim, Nurul Hikmah, Nurhana Yusof, Priyasegaran, and Tan Kaye-Leigh.
The eight artists, aged between 12 and 29 years old, represent a range of rare diseases and disabilities: albinism, bilateral congenital cataracts of unknown cause, dyslexia, dyscalculia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, growth hormone deficiency, pituitary tumours, neurodiversity, spinal muscular atrophy, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Williams syndrome.
The exhibition was launched at GMBB Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, with podcaster and former minister Khairy Jamaluddin as the guest of honour.
Walking through the exhibition, one cannot help but be impressed by the talent on display. The high level of creativity is immediately evident, with the artists’ creations depicting everything from everyday life to more fantastical, surreal scenes.
The exhibition is divided into five sections: Resilience, Passion, Hope, Play, and Tribe. Many of the artworks are displayed alongside short commentaries from the artists, explaining their subjects and processes with touching sincerity.
“Despite facing significant challenges, these artists have harnessed their creativity to produce thought-provoking and enlightening works,” exhibition curator and FriendenArts co-founder Yap Sook Yee told FMT Lifestyle.
“Their artworks are nothing short of stunning: each piece offers a unique glimpse into the world through the eyes of these extraordinary individuals.”
The works are the result of a nine-month training programme conducted by FriendenArts with the guidance of coaches Nicholas Choong, May Chan, and Jaja Yusof.
Conducting the programme wasn’t easy, Yap shared, given the unique challenges each participant faces. But the artists and coaches persevered, and the results speak for themselves.
Nurul Hikmah, who has bilateral congenital cataracts of unknown cause, shared that her family was very excited after learning she would be taking part in the exhibition.
“‘Art for Rare’ improved my confidence and changed my perspective that people like us also can make art. We now have another way to make an income,” said the 25-year-old.
Proceeds from the sale of artworks and “Beyond Labels” merchandise – which includes notebooks, bags and prints – will go to the artists, as well as FriendenArts to invest in upcoming projects.
Yap said she hopes to continue the “Art for Rare” programme and help another batch of emerging artists discover their talents.
“This is not only a celebration of art and creativity, but a tribute to the extraordinary courage of these young artists.
“Their unique perspectives of the world provide a refreshing outlook, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, there is always simplicity, beauty and hope,” she concluded.
‘Art for Rare’ exhibition
Where:
Level 2, GMBB Kuala Lumpur,
2, Jalan Robertson,
Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
When:
Until Dec 3, 11am-8pm daily (free admission)
For more information, visit FriendenArts’ website. Also follow Art for Rare on Facebook.
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