Autistic artists redefine their narratives

 

Hiew Hao Wen, his sister Joeyi Hiew, their uncle and aunt pose with his doodle art of logos of Malaysian TV channels.

KUALA LUMPUR: At just three years old, Hiew Hao Wen was given a diagnosis that could have easily overshadowed the brightness within him.

His family had observed his quiet demeanour and his tendency to retreat into solitude rather than engage with the world around him.

They soon found out he had autism.

Despite the initial hurdles, Hao Wen, now 15, refused to let his diagnosis define him or dictate his future.

Instead, he found solace and expression through his art.

His sister, Joeyi Hiew, reminisced about the early days when his drawings were mere chaotic scribbles.

But as time passed, something magical happened – his drawings evolved into intricate expressions of his inner world.

“One day in 2022, he took mahjong paper, grabbed a marker pen, and created doodle art. We were surprised that he could develop his own art style.”

A general view of the Kinder Arts by Special Artists event today at the River of Life in Kuala Lumpur.

She was speaking to FMT during the Kinder Arts by Special Artists event today, an art competition for autistic children and adults organised by the Caring Cluster Foundation.

Inspiration for Hao Wen’s creations came from unexpected places – YouTube videos, snippets of life outside his window, and even his own memories.

He showcased his talent with pride at today’s event, drawing logos of iconic Malaysian TV channels from memory.

Joeyi reflected on the journey their family had taken since Hao Wen’s diagnosis, especially in helping him develop his emotional stability and concentration.

“At first, his emotions were very unstable… we trained him to sit patiently, and then he slowly grew up. I’m proud of him,” she said.

Joeyi said the celebration of Hao Wen’s skills underscored a broader message to the public that despite the challenges posed by autism, individuals like her brother could chart their own way in life.

“We noticed his talent and cultivated it. Now his life has changed. Although he is autistic and different from others, he is still able to chart his own path in life,” she said.

John Hananiah Ravi and his mother Kuna Sundary proudly display his painting.

Separately, John Hananiah Ravi, now 25, found art to be a unique way to express himself after he was diagnosed with autism at the age of six.

John’s journey echoed that of Hao Wen’s – one of challenges turned into triumphs, of doubts replaced by determination.

His mother, Kuna Sundary, spoke fondly of John’s artistic journey, which she nurtured by providing art materials and letting him explore his creativity at home.

Kuna said she noticed John thrived when encouraged, drawing inspiration from YouTube tutorials and his imagination.

“If you don’t try (to encourage them), you don’t know they are gifted,” she said.

Kuna expressed pride in John’s independence and bravery, highlighting his willingness to try new things, from singing in concerts to participating in competitions.

When asked how to motivate children with autism, she said it was important for them to stay positive and spend time interacting with others.

“Don’t feel negative about your kids. Let them try new experiences,” she said.

“You never know, they just might amaze you.” - FMT