World Autism Awareness Day celebrated in Macau

Caritas Macau held an award presentation ceremony for its cross-city painting competition at Galaxy Macau yesterday. The event, co-organized with another care association from the neighboring Hong Kong Autism Awareness Alliance, recognized a total of 64 paintings created by autistic and mentally-challenged artists from the two cities.
Themed “Me and Mine,” the fourth edition of the event since 2012 coincided with the “World Autism Awareness Day.” The event received a total of 194 artworks from both SAR regions, from which 32 local paintings have been selected to receive awards. According to Paul Pun, secretary general of Caritas Macau, the theme seems simple, yet carries significant connotations. The painting competition encouraged the participants to present their own perception of those around them through a nonverbal medium.
The secretary-general of the Macau Artist Society, Elsa Poon, who was one of the five professional judges to select the winning paintings, praised the contestants’ inner artistic potential and talent. “Although some of the participants are seniors, their painting techniques aren’t bad at all, they were able to express what’s in their hearts. Besides, most contestants have their own mindset, which they could use drawings and paintings to make explicit,” she said.
Among the dozens of colorful paintings, the well-known local artist recalled one that impressed her the most. “Compact City”, an intricate and detail-oriented black-and-
white portrayal of certain parts of the city, was rated the Champion in the Open Category for People with Autism (Macau). Its painter, Leong Ieng Wai, “has drawing potential, his paintings are so meticulously detailed, which has demonstrated his phenomenal drawing skills,” said Elsa Poon.
Previous years’ themes likewise revolved around the topic of “self”, as people suffering from autism generally have sociability limitations, narrowing their social circles to an almost individual level.
Yesterday’s award ceremony also featured impressive musical performances conducted by some service recipients under the charitable organization. Starting today and continuing until the 15th of this month, the 64 hand-drawn art pieces (including those from Hong Kong) are on display in the east wing of Galaxy Macau. The group’s volunteer team will also join hands with some service receivers from the five care units under the charitable organization in an art workshop on April 11
to create a large-scale painting. Staff reporter