In
celebration of Autism Awareness Month, the Pure Souls Learning Foundation hosted the seventh edition of its annual autism art exhibition with the theme, ‘My Whispering Voice’, at the TR Art Gallery in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The foundation uses the event to reaffirm its commitment to reshaping narratives and celebrating the extraordinary talents of individuals on the autism spectrum.
While speaking at the event, the founder and director of Patrick Speech and Languages Centre, Dotun Akande, noted that the exhibition aims to support parents who have children with special needs.
Speaking on the benefits of being a part of the exhibition, Akande said, “Not only do they exhibit their works, they have gone to places they never would have gone. We have had many exhibitions, and have taken the children’s works outside the country. We have seen tremendous improvement, even in the artwork of the children.”
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, noted autistic children could express themselves through art.
“I think it is awesome. What I am seeing here is expression through art from children who use different forms of art to express what they feel and see. This is the best thing we can do for them as young people. I am amazed by what I have seen. Mrs Akande put this together to show us that we can hear these children, not only through speech, but art as well. I think that we should be supporting this cause, so I would, on behalf of the governor, pledge that we would be supporting this cause. We will support them ‘infrastructurally’ and financially. Those are the kinds of support we can give them.”
The exhibition showcases a collection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works by nine gifted artists, including Preye Azazi, Funom Ou-Wenyang, Christine Mike Nnaji, Chijindu Chukwunomnso ljomah, Daniel Ayomikun Okolie, Damiloju Yomi-Adeyemi, Otinakachuckwu Ozor, Anthony Imevbore, and Awelewa Eniola.
A statement shared with Society Plus stated that since its inception, the Pure Souls Learning Foundation has redefined what it means to support “neurodivergent individuals”.
The exhibition, which began on April will transition to a virtual gallery from today (April 6-30).
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).