Autism Provides a Unique Lens, Revealing Hidden Talents

The exhibition entitled "Empowering Inclusivity Powered by Hidden Talent" issupported by the London School Center for Autism Awareness (LSCAA) and Panasonic Gobel. The exhibition displays the main work of Raysha Dinar Kemal Gani (20), who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2.5 years. There are also works of art by Kezia Kuryakin Sibuea (28), Shan Rafael (22), Owen Philip Widjajakusuma (21), and Dwi Putro Mulyono Jati (61).

Also read: Accepting and Embracing Children with Autism

Not only colorful paintings on the walls that catch the eye and attract visitors' attention. The painting that started with the shape of the letter O, which then turned into various forms displayed on various household appliances produced by Panasonic Gobel and created by Raysha, is also a unique feature of this art exhibition.

There are paintings of watermelon juice, strawberry juice, blueberry juice in a blender; flowers and sea animals in the hairdryer; mushrooms, rice and donuts in the rice cooker; bees, birds, butterflies, and beetles in the air purifier; to donuts and cookies in the toaster oven. Even though it is painted, this equipment can still be used for everyday use.

The founder of LSCAA and Raysha's mother, Prita Kemal Gani, appreciates the opportunity given by Panasonic Gobel Indonesia for Raysha to paint on electronic goods. In 2023, Raysha was invited to an exhibition entitled "Art with Heart" for children with special needs, she painted sea animals on a refrigerator produced by Panasonic Gobel.

”Autism gives Raysha a unique lens through which to view the world. For him, color and shape are not just elements of art. Raysha likes painting as a medium of expression and a means of therapy. "Through her hobby of painting, Raysha consistently produces work that is useful for autistic friends from underprivileged families," said Prita, who is also the founder and CEO of LSPR at the opening of the exhibition.

Expressing

Prita said there are challenges for children with autism in expressing their feelings and communicating. Some of them have challenges with imagination, as well as motor and sensory problems.

"To be able to produce beautiful works of art, it is not easy for them. There is a lot of hard work and pain involved in realizing it. It takes encouragement and practice to discover one's abilities in art or other things that can make them successful and beneficial to others," he said.

According to Prita, children with autism require support to become independent or to help themselves and socialize. However, it turns out that they are also capable of helping others with the hidden talents they possess.

The proceeds from this charity art exhibition will be donated by Raysha and Panasonic Gobel to Rumah Autis and YCHI Autism Center. Some of Raysha's paintings are also packaged in the form of merchandise which can be freely purchased by the public via the e-commerce platform or by visiting the Sunrise Art Gallery.

To be able to produce beautiful works of art is not easy for them. It was a lot of hard work and pain to make it happen.

Through the Raysha Foundation, the proceeds from sales of merchandise or souvenirs are channeled to help with the therapeutic needs of children with autism from underprivileged families. Many autistic children from underprivileged families need support in education and therapy so they can experience optimal growth and development and discover hidden talents.

Prita narrated that painting has become one of the therapies that Raysha has been doing since 2019. She learned to improve concentration and calmness. Despite her limitations, Raysha has a strong sense of responsibility and wants to finish her painting beautifully.

Also read: Autistic Children are Supported to Work in Public Spaces

To complete the painting on all the electronic items, it took almost eight months since last year. It took seven weeks to paint the refrigerator. It also took three weeks to paint the magic jar because it required concentration.

"By showcasing hidden talents that produce beautiful works, they are able to be appreciated. They can also help others," said Prita.

This aims to ensure that no individual is left behind, no one left behind. All children have the right to work. "Our job is to support and explore its potential. "So that later, individuals with special needs can become independent and empowered," he said.

According to Prita, Panasonic and Raysha together prove that art and electronic technology can coexist, opening a new window for all of us to see the world in a more colorful and inclusive light.

Meanwhile, B2B Solution and Service Director of PT Panasonic Gobel Indonesia, Intan Abdams Katoppo, expressed that support for children with special needs is a step towards meaningful inclusivity so that no one is left behind. It is proven that despite the challenges they face, children with special needs can produce exceptional work and even empower others.

"Hopefully, this support can become the foundation of an ecosystem for children with special needs to be supported and appreciated sustainably. Starting from this year, Panasonic is recruiting children with special needs to work," said Intan.

Other exhibition participants discovered their talent for painting through therapy and turned it into an achievement. Owen, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 15 months, initially learned to paint to train his motor skills. Due to school and therapy activities, his painting activities had stopped temporarily. However, since the pandemic, he has resumed learning to paint and is now participating in exhibitions.

Kezia was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 and likes to scribble on walls. When given paper, she can draw people well. Kezia continues to practice and participate in various exhibitions, including one at the Bogor Palace in West Java, with the Ministry of Trade.

As for Shan, he often participates in exhibitions. His paintings are also sold, with one of them bought by a Singaporean entrepreneur. He has also painted murals together with other people.

Meanwhile, Dwi, who has intellectual, hearing, and speech disabilities, makes painting his daily routine. His paintings have been exhibited in various exhibitions in Yogyakarta, Bali, Bandung, and even Japan.