The official launch took place on April 19 in which all the artists, from the Special Talented Artists Rise Together (START) Art Programme under Gifted Brush, attended accompanied by their parents and supporters.

START, a non-profit initiative supporting neurodivergent creatives, was founded by Rohani Ahmad after she discovered the artistic talent of her own autistic son Danial Kushairi. Today, Danial, 21, is a full-time artist.

Dymphna Lanjuran, art director and curator at Inner Joy Art Gallery shared: “The initial intention was for me to teach Danial art, but when I went to their house, I was amazed by how good his work was.”

Recognising his talent, Dymphna gave Danial the opportunity to exhibit at the gallery in 2019.

“Danial was the only autistic artist in that exhibition. One of his pieces sold, and that really helped boost his confidence. He was quiet and shy, but he became more confident – and his artwork evolved too. It became more detailed, more beautiful,” she said.

Motivated by Danial’s growth, his mother Rohani initiated the START Art Programme in 2022, and “Celebrate Differences” marks their third collaboration with the gallery.

“For me, art is art,” Dymphna expressed. “Many times, when we mix their artworks with those of neurotypical artists, people are genuinely surprised by their talent,” she said.

The exhibition features 34 artworks – abstract, nature-inspired and fantasy-themed creations.

One standout was 13-year-old Muaz Z, who was diagnosed with autism at age two. He expresses his emotions and imagination through spontaneous and intuitive paintings.

Muaz first exhibited his works in 2022 at the Selangor International Book Fair, where he sold two pieces. He has since shown his works in around 10 local and international exhibitions.

For this showcase, Muaz presented two three-by-three-foot paintings titled “Family and Friends” and “The Stickman World”. Both canvases were bursting with intricate detail.

“Family and Friends” included depictions of his school and family members while “The Stickman World” featured stickmen travelling through dimensions filled with animals, technology, food, superheroes and more.

“Muaz started exhibiting with us when he was 10 years old. Back then, his artworks were quite small – about A4 size,” said Dymphna.

“But year after year, the canvas kept growing, and this year I was shocked to see the size of his painting. The colours are more striking, bolder. Every time I see works like this, it really touches my heart, especially knowing how much the artist has grown as a person,” she added.

Another young artist, nine-year-old Khadeeja Khairie, also made an impression. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, she began the programme at age six.

“She found it difficult to concentrate in the beginning, but now she’s a completely different person – and that shows in her art,” said Dymphna.

Khadeeja presented two pieces: “Sketches of Joy”, which explored colour combinations and bold shapes using a doodle style, and another piece inspired by her visit to Taman Tasik Shah Alam.

Also featured is artist Muhammad Tuah Izqandar Mohd Syazwan, who was diagnosed with autism at age six. In 2024, the nine-year-old sold his first painting at “The Art of Autism” exhibition, marking a major milestone.

His mother, Diyana Ramli, shared: “Seeing this community of parents and children like Tuah gives us hope. It reminds us that we’re not alone.”

At the launch, Rohani addressed the crowd: “As a parent of a neurodivergent artist myself, I understand deeply the worry and the hope we carry in our hearts. We wonder – will our child be included? Will they find their place in society?”

With platforms like START, she said it was her hope that doors will open for neurodivergent individuals to find independence and inclusion in Malaysia.

“Let us continue to celebrate differences – not just this month, but every day,” Rohani concluded.

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‘Celebrate Differences’ (now till 30 April)

Inner Joy Art Gallery’s
No. 7, Lorong Universiti C
Section 16
46350 Petaling Jaya
Selangor

Open by appointment: 1pm-6pm

Contact: +6011 377 33 931