Art from children with special needs
A visitor appreciates the art on show at the exhibition.
The exhibition displays paintings by artists and children with autism and cerebral palsy.
An exhibition featuring some 100 paintings by artists and children with autism and cerebral palsy opened at Shanghai Library in Xuhui District on Wednesday.
The exhibition, hosted by the Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts, aims to raise awareness about children with autism as well as support for special education, its organizers said.
The paintings on display are from 34 painters in Shanghai and 29 children with autism.
Among the works, 66 from adult painters cover topics such as people, landscape and nature. The 46 works from children express their inner world and pursuit of excellence.
The paintings by children have festive themes and are brilliant in color, said Tang Jiali, a volunteer teacher.
"Kaikai requires adults' attention when doing things, but drawing is his first independent thing to accomplish," said Kaikai's mother.
"Drawing gives him a sense of fulfillment and he likes it," she said. "Such a hobby makes him feel that life is not boring and helps him emotionally stable."
Another mother with a child who has autism said: "My daughter likes drawing for a long time and she is sensitive to colors.
"Drawing catches her attention, and she is bold in the use of colors."
She added: "I don't want her to be excellent in painting, but hope her to be happy from drawing.
"Although the works of famous painters are also on display, the art knows no difference."
The exhibition will last for two days.
A visitor appreciates one of the paintings on display.
