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Neurodivergent artist brings fresh perspective on world
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Exploring space: Abhiyasa Adhi Pradhanika, 13, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 6, works on 'The Galaxy', which recently featured in Jakarta-based VOCA’s “Through My Window: An Exhibition by Neurodivergent Artists” virtual exhibition on Kunstmatrix. (Courtesy of Adhyanti Sardanarini) (Courtesy of Adhyanti Sardanarini/Courtesy of Adhyanti Sardanarini)
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span style="background-color:#FFFFFF;">Abhi uses a combination of brush strokes and dripped paint to transcend his autism and create a window into the world he sees around him.
Shades of red, pink and black swirl on a canvas surface, melding in seamless patterns to form a harmonious yet organic visual composition. The contrast between the strong shades of red and the striking mottled patterns of black in Cherry Blossoms seem to allude to discarded cherry pits after the succulent fruit has been consumed, while evoking the dynamic, Zen-influenced action paintings of Jackson Pollock.
Above all, Cherry Blossoms reflects the precocity of the artist behind the acrylic painting, 13-year-old Abhiyasa Adhi Pradhanika, who goes by Abhi.
Cherry Blossoms is among the works featured in the virtual exhibition “Through My Window: An Exhibition by Neurodivergent Artists” from Jakarta-based VOCA (Vocational Art Space for the Special Needs Community). The exhibit featuring the works of Abhi and his peers was held from March 18 to May 2, 2022 on Kunstmatrix (www.kunstmatrix.com) an online visual arts platform that provides the space and tools for members to create their own virtual exhibitions, including 3D spaces, as well as sell their artwork.
Exploring space: Abhiyasa Adhi Pradhanika, 13, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 6, works on 'The Galaxy', which recently featured in Jakarta-based VOCA’s “Through My Window: An Exhibition by Neurodivergent Artists” virtual exhibition on Kunstmatrix. (Courtesy of Adhyanti Sardanarini) (Courtesy of Adhyanti Sardanarini/Courtesy of Adhyanti Sardanarini)
The coronavirus served as a muse for Abhi and the five other featured artists – Jordan “The Stickman” Tirtadjaja, brothers Abyaz and Abyan Ramadhan, Alifa Aisyah Bella and Rasyad Rafy – as the imposition of related lockdowns, social distancing and other restrictive measures triggered an outpouring of emotion, VOCA explains in the description on the landing page for “Through My Window”.
“Here, we are invited to experience their wide array of feelings, emotions and imagination during these unprecedented times. While carefully enjoying these artworks, we may also notice that there is a message of hope and joy sprinkled across these works,” it continues.
