Young artists, mostly on the autism spectrum and from various disability groups, showcase their works in ARTablado's latest exhibit "Artklusibo: Kami Ang Bida!" until April 30 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. Art, after all, fosters empathy and self-expression that paves the path for positive social change.
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.
Vibrant community spirit
According to the Autism Society Philippines (ASP), "Autism is a lifelong developmental exceptionality, which may challenge an individual’s ability to communicate, socialize and adapt to the world around him."
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.
Likewise, thanks to ARTipolo, an artist group based in Antipolo, Rizal, for being a community where the advocacy to support children, women, and people with disabilities is sustainably supported and promoted.
"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 added, "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."
"ArtKlusibo: Kami ang Bida!” is a good way to showcase the finished works of the artists. The viewing public who are likewise interested in the arts can appreciate their works. We can relay the message to the whole world that even artists with disabilities can create master pieces like those made by the masters like Dr. Jose Rizal and Juan Luna," explained Wilma Doctor, a pillar from Antipolo PWD Home.
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 is the level of the child's disability. 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 have it sold as well."
Canvas of hope and joy
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. After all, being able to express themselves through art is an empowering experience according to the participating artists of the exhibit.
Revin Christian Hatol, an artist on the autism spectrum, said that learning how to paint is, "Relief from a busy world."
"I'm happy to have been able to draw and to color, too," replied Ma. Andrea Antonnia Sula, one of the artists from the ADHD community.
"I am happy because I love painting! I love arts!" exclaimed Jaiden Jaione S. Madridano, a student of Sta. Cruz Elementary School, a person on the autism spectrum.
"I feel happy and I always say, 'nice,'" commented Jerold Vicente, one of the artists from NCD Integrated School and a person on the autism spectrum.
"Yuan draws flower because it's good to see and makes her happy," explained the parents of Yuan Mancilla, a student from Antipolo City SPED Center.
"Drawing makes me feel happy and excited! I really enjoy drawing and I love colors. They say that my work is unique and amazing. Many people are surprised that I can create works like these at my age," said Leonard Jesse Agpi from ASP Antipolo.
It is every parents dream to have their child shine for their unique talents and not be merely placed in the fringes. Even the parents of the young "Artklusibo" artists expressed their surprise at how their children got the chance to spread their artistic wings.
Claire Cadiz, one of Antipolo PWD Home’s pillars and mother of Vique Cadiz replied, "Painting and drawing are part of Vique’s regular routine. It was a bit of a challenge when a new medium was introduced to him because he was more comfortable using pens. But part of unlocking his talent is trying different mediums. Along the way, he started to enjoy it and eventually liked it. Our painting and drawing sessions at home became our way of communicating with him."
Proud father, Mark Cadiz, continued, "We get a lot of supportive remarks from people. They can see beyond Vique's disability and appreciate his artistic talent. Some express hope for him to continue what he began and further improve his work. Others help us promote his paintings. Many people find him inspiring. His paintings have been bought by patrons who truly believe in his talent."
Soak up some inspiring art with playful dimensions by checking out this meaningful art exhibition entitled "Artklusibo: Kami Ang Bida!" at the Upper Ground Floor, Main Mall of Robinsons Antipolo.
