Works by autistic artists to feature in Delhi show

New Delhi: Artworks of two young, autistic artists will feature in an upcoming group exhibition here, which aims to be a 'gram' or village of art and artists of multiple colours. Currently in its third edition, the annual show titled 'Artistagram' opens here next week. It is curated by Jyoti Kalra and presented by Uchaan Art Gallery.

Art, which acts like creative therapy for the two artists, Nilesh Ganesh and Satvik Sharma, is a preferred outlet of expression for many people with disabilities (PwDs). "Satvik does not speak, so his high energy comes out via metal colours and abstract art. It works therapeutically," the art curator told IANS.

The 14-year-old, self-taught artist is in school, and has already sold a number of paintings including one at the India Art Fair Mumbai 2018. "The story began when he was introduced to water colours at the age of 10. An otherwise inattentive child suddenly started to focus and it's amazing how effortlessly he painted his imagination using both hands with multiple brushes at times," Kalra added.

Nilesh Ganesh, the second autistic artist from Delhi NCR, is currently pursuing a graduation degree in Fine Arts. Kalra calls him a highly-focussed artist who "works like Pablo Picasso". 'Artistagram', which features around 40 artists in total, will run from July 12-18 at the India Habitat Centre here.