Sometimes the beauty of art goes beyond the surface of the canvas, finding itself within the stories behind the masterpiece. Similar to how the Paralympics brings athletes with disabilities to the world’s attention, Touch Giving Art is a charity programme that highlights the talents of artists with difficulties in Singapore. It also brings people together, proving how art can be beneficial to all. Lend your support for these artists as Touch Giving Art occupies The Arts House from June 7 to 9.
Previously known as Art Gives Back, the charity event showcases around 70 artworks by 14 artists from Touch Special Crafts – an art platform under the Touch Centre for Independent Living that serves people with mild intellectual disabilities – as well as 13 professional artists. These artworks can be purchased prior to and during the exhibition. Proceeds support the programmes of Touch that help people with intellectual disabilities gain independence through various skills training. Your bare walls will thank you, too.
Clownfishes by Natalie Yap
Artists with adversity deserve recognition for the exceptional amount of effort and time they put into creating something special. Cue artists Natalie Yap and Shoban Pillai who are diagnosed with down syndrome and intellectual disability respectively.
Natalie Yap is selling four of her paintings at the charity event. Her pieces mostly feature round shapes and the colour yellow, which is her favourite. She says that the bright hue never fails to make her smile. Through colouring, drawing and painting, Natalie is able to express her sentiments as well as her creativity. Despite her quiet demeanor, she doesn’t shy away from expressing what she likes and dislikes – whether through art or gestures.
Seashells by Shoban Pillai
Another artist with heart-warming pieces up on display is Shoban Pillai. The 42-year- old gentle giant’s vibrant paintings are mostly drawn from his adoration for animals, flowers, mountains and lakes. He also adds that he is keen to start painting portraits of bicycles. And there’s no doubt he can pull it off, as he lets us in on his special talent – he can draw with and without an image reference. Through art, he’s able to express himself and gain confidence.
By supporting through donating or purchasing artworks by artists like Natalie and Shoban, you fill them with encouragement and motivation to shine and continue pursuing their talents in the arts to live a happier, fulfilled life. And the exposure via Touch Giving Art doesn’t stop there – you can browse and shop the art pieces via touch.org.sg/get-involved/events/ details/touch-giving-art.
