GEORGE TOWN: BLESSED with a gift for art, Kirtanraw Subramaniam, 20, an artist with autism, showcases his talent with a display of eclectic artworks in his first solo exhibition that was officially launched on Saturday.
Titled “Explorations”, he has an affinity with nature, particularly plants and animals.
This is portrayed in his collection of 40 artworks now showing at the Island Gallery on 6, Phuah Hin Leong Road which runs until Oct 20.
Officiated by state executive councillor Chong Eng, the artworks in oil painting are of birds, the undersea kingdom, forest scenes, a magical light and a fantastic world series painted in bright colours.
Kirtanraw said: “I have been passionate about drawing since I was young. I began drawing when I was 7-years-old and I am very much into pencil drawings, especially cartoon characters such as Power Rangers. I also like drawing bikes, cars and buildings.
“Most of my oil paintings on display in this inaugural exhibition are of sceneries, fantasy worlds, the natural kingdom in semi-abstract style using a lot of bright colours.”
Kirtanraw said his vision was to become a famous artist in Malaysia by 2030.
Kirtanraw lives with his father, Subramaniam Bandiloo, his mother, Wong Yok Chang, and two elder sisters in Sungai Petani, Kedah.
Subramaniam, a pharmacy specialist, said Kirtanraw was born with autism but his talent in art was evident when he was very young.
“We encouraged him to do whatever he wanted with his gift in art and he began with sketches in pencil with a penchant for cartoon characters like Power Rangers.
“He also dabbled in watercolour and when he was 16, he switched to oil painting after his Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) examination. One of his paintings was displayed in a group animal kingdom art exhibition organised by Art Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur last year.
“We did send him to an art school in Penang for a year but we feel he needed special guidance by a specialised tutor in art to help him improve his skills.
“We hope to find someone as soon as possible,” Subramaniam said at the launch.
He said the 40 paintings on display were part of a collection of 100 paintings, which his son has produced over the past four years.
“We were looking for a place to display Kirtanraw’s artworks and fortunately for us the gallery owner Cheong Mei Fong offered her gallery.”
Fifty per cent from the proceeds of the artworks sold would be donated to the Penang Bold Association for Children with Special Needs.
The gallery is open from 10am to 5pm, from Monday to Saturday, and and 2pm to 6pm on Sunday.
For details, call 016-437 6687.
