Two majestic lions are depicted cuddling together, their faces adorned with warm smiles; a family of giraffes stylishly don cool sunglasses; a Shiba Inu masterfully imitates the iconic pose of the Mona Lisa, earning itself the amusing moniker "Mona Lishiba." These captivating paintings are part of a collection of artworks created by talented teenagers currently on display in a Beijing gallery. And these young painters have a unique perspective.

Selected artworks from autistic children are on display at an exhibition in Beijing, Feb. 22, 2024. [Image courtesy of Team Zibo]

The three-day exhibition, which opened in Beijing on Thursday, features works by autistic children. Its goal is to attract wider social attention and support, enhancing care for these children.

"Today, we are hosting a mobile charity art exhibition for autistic children, aiming to raise awareness about them and their inner world through the power of art," said Zhang Junru, founder of the Beijing Golden Wings Art Rehabilitation Service for Children with Disabilities, at the launch ceremony held in the #024 commercial complex at Sanlitun in Beijing. "These children's artworks are filled with boundless imagination and creativity. Each painting is an expression of their souls, and every stroke represents the flow of their emotions."

Douyin influencer Mr. Zibo (left) and Zhang Junru, founder of the Beijing Golden Wings Art Rehabilitation Service for Disabled Children, hold a painting by an autistic child for a photo at the launch ceremony of an exhibition featuring artworks by autistic children in Beijing, Feb. 22, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Team Zibo]

Zhang told China.org.cn that the distinctive innovation of the Golden Wings Mobile Art Gallery lies in its "mobility." It has ventured into businesses, major shopping centers, art galleries, public spaces, university campuses, and even subway carriages to organize exhibitions. Since its launch in April 2012, the gallery has hosted 85 mobile exhibitions across six cities in China, as well as cities in Japan, the Netherlands, and Germany, showcasing 11,237 artworks by young artists with disabilities. The exhibition in Beijing marks its 86th location.

The Beijing stop received significant support from its partners, notably influencer Mr. Zibo, who has over 2.9 million followers on Douyin, and the beauty brand Quanis. Consequently, the exhibition is titled "Light Up the Stars and Walk with Zibo."

Organizers and guests cut the ribbon to launch an exhibition of artworks by autistic children in Beijing, Feb. 22, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Team Zibo]

"The number of autistic children in China has already exceeded 2 million. When including adults, the total number of people with autism spectrum disorders exceeds 10 million," Mr. Zibo noted.

He revealed that he was impressed by the artworks created by autistic children, which he encountered when Quanis representatives showed them to him. "When I learned about this group of autistic teenagers and how they find ways to communicate with the world through art therapy, I was deeply moved," the influencer said. "I am very interested in art; artworks have often healed me. However, I did not know about using art for rehabilitation and teaching. These young individuals possess truly astonishing talents. I hope to join the cause, bring more attention to them."

He hopes to highlight the enduring brilliance of these children to a broader audience. Furthermore, he believes these artworks can inspire the public and empower them to overcome life's challenges.

An exhibition of artworks by autistic children is being held in Beijing, Feb. 22, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Team Zibo]

Two young autistic artists briefly communicate with attendees at the launch ceremony of an exhibition featuring artworks by autistic children in Beijing, Feb. 22, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Team Zibo]

The event attracted celebrities and heavyweights from various sectors, including Zhong Ni, a gold medal-winning artistic swimmer; Wang Rui, the general manager of Merlin Entertainments Beijing; entrepreneurs; diplomats from Jamaica, Thailand, and Turkey; and representatives from charity organizations such as UNICEF. The exhibition will run until Feb. 24, but Zhang Junru and Mr. Zibo said they will continue their journeys and explore more collaborations.

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