Display of 60 artworks by neurodiverse artists at National Museum in New Delhi
The National Museum in New Delhi hosted an innovative exhibition titled, Art Beyond Labels: Artistic Expression of Neurodiversity, from April 9, 2024, to April 14, 2024, in collaboration with The Art Sanctuary. This exhibition, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, featured more than 60 artworks by neurodiverse artists from across India, showcasing a variety of mediums such as painting, drawing, photography and sculpture. Dr Shashi Bala, an advocate for the specially-abled, is the curator of this unique exhibition, which aims to provide a platform for neurodiverse individuals to express themselves artistically and promote inclusivity in the arts.
The exhibition’s inauguration coincided with April, the autism awareness month, highlighting the importance of creating welcoming environments for all individuals and creating an all-inclusive society. Through partnerships with organizations like FTII, Pune and NGMA, New Delhi, The Art Sanctuary (TAS) has been supporting neurodiverse artists and facilitating workshops and therapy sessions to empower them. Shalini Gupta, founder trustee of TAS, expressed
hope that the exhibition would foster greater understanding and appreciation for neurodiversity. TAS facilitates specialized courses, workshops and emotional therapy sessions, all provided at very low cost to the artists.
Sharing her perspective on the exhibition Shalini Gupta said, “At TAS, we firmly believe in the transformative potential of art to transcend boundaries and forge meaningful connections.
Through their artworks, these artists offer profound insights into the human condition, challenging societal norms and perceptions. We hope this exhibition serves as a catalyst for fostering greater understanding and appreciation for neurodiversity within our communities.”
Dr B R Mani, director general of the National Museum, emphasized the exhibition’s significance in promoting inclusivity and diversity within the field of arts. He said, “This exhibition stands as a testament to our steadfast dedication to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the arts. Through this exhibition of the remarkable artistic expressions of neurodiverse artists, we aspire to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for their distinctive perspectives and creative journeys.”
Rema, director of exhibitions at The Art Sanctuary, mentioned that the exhibition provides a platform for young neurodiverse artists to showcase their experiences and artwork in a gallery setting.
Established in 1949, the National Museum of India is renowned for its extensive collection of artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to contemporary art, representing Indian and foreign origins alike. The museum boasts a collection of over 200,000 artworks representing both Indian and foreign origins.
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