George Town, Penang, Malaysia, 23 April 2021: George Town Festival’s effort to promote inclusivity through the arts continues with the announcement of the “AR/UTISTIC: Diaries on the Spectrum” art exhibition today. Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy (PETACE) YB Yeoh Soon Hin presides over the press conference.

“AR/UTISTIC: Diaries on the Spectrum” showcases art pieces by Penang-based contemporary artist Frankie Lim, which were created before and during the pandemic, as well as the subsequent lockdown. The exhibition aims to connect the general public to artists living with autism like Frankie Lim and for them to have a deeper understanding about autism. At the same time, it also aims to promote acceptance and authentic social inclusion of individuals on the autism disorder spectrum, in line with the Festival’s theme, “A Festival for Everyone”.

The art pieces – especially those created during the pandemic and lockdown – sees Frankie Lim exploring themes of growth, joy, fear, sadness, and isolation while demonstrating his desire to connect with others. These pieces offer the public a glimpse of Frankie’s journey through the COVID-19 isolation.

In his speech, YB Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy (PETACE), says, “April is World Autism Awareness month, a month dedicated to increase the understanding and acceptance of people with autism. I sincerely think that there is no better time than now to announce the “AR/UTISTIC: Diaries on the Spectrum” art exhibition, which will run from 9 – 18 July 2021, as part of the upcoming George Town Festival 2021.

“As GTF embraces the theme “A Festival for Everyone”, we hope the exhibition will provide a platform and opportunity for every creative talent, including the differently abled. It is through these mechanisms in which we stop fixating on our respective differences and start focusing on fostering a society that breaks existing boundaries to create a united community,” he added.

The following lists the details of the exhibition:

AR/UTISTIC: Diaries on the Spectrum
After taking a break from art for a few years, Frankie Lim, a Penang-based contemporary artist living with autism, returns with “AR/UTISTIC: Diaries on the Spectrum”, an art exhibition showcasing his art pieces created before and during the pandemic, as well as the subsequent lockdown. The art pieces – especially those created during the pandemic and lockdown – sees Frankie Lim exploring themes of growth, joy, fear, sadness, and isolation while demonstrating his desire to connect with others.
Dates: 9 – 18 July 2021
Time: 10am – 10pm
Venue: Ming Fine Art Gallery @ St. Jo’s, Gurney Paragon Mall

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