DANIAL Kushairi's paintings are mesmerising, to say the least.
The colours are eye-catching and his themes speak volumes about his artistic talent, made all the more remarkable as Danial is a 19-year-old with autism and speech limitations.
His paintings are his means to communicate his thoughts, ideas and feelings, and this young man has participated in local and international art exhibitions since 2019.
In his latest project, Danial and a creative children's book writer collaborated to tell the story of his painting entitled Ocean Fish . It has since been published as a children's storybook called Ben Saves the Day.
Danial started drawing when he was very young, but his talent was never developed due to the fact that most of the focus then was on his therapies and schooling, says his mother, Rohani Ahmad.
Only at the age of 16 did Danial resume drawing. To further cultivate his interest and skills in art, experienced art teachers were hired to teach him and expose him to relevant techniques. He was also brought to exhibitions and galleries to expand his creative abilities.
"Danial has limitations in speech so painting is a form of communication for him. It allows him to express his feelings towards his surroundings. Painting provides a platform for him to be connected to people around him," says Rohani.
THERAPEUTIC PURSUIT
Art is a form of therapy for him, she adds, because it makes him happy to share his feelings with others and when people appreciate his work, it elevates his confidence.
Danial's drawings and paintings are very detailed. Each canvas portrays a storyline that only Danial knows.
One day, a friend of Rohani's suggested that she ask Danial about the characters and the characteristics of his paintings. Rohani realised that there was a storyline behind each painting.
The idea then came about to help Danial transform his paintings into storybooks.
Ocean Fish, one of his paintings, is a vibrant and colourful depiction of fish in the ocean and it has since become the inspiration for Ben Saves the Day
In the book, Danial and writer Akmallina Athirah Mohamad Zaharin highlight how a quiet and artistic character named Ben, who is frequently teased by naughty fish, eventually becomes a true friend.
The draft of the story written by Akmallina and even the names of the characters got approval from Danial.
Rohani says the book is about speaking up and accepting differences.
"Through this book, we hope to create awareness among schoolchildren to accept differences in their friends, be it race, skin colour or ability."
It is important to impart these traits from young so that they grow up to be thoughtful and compassionate individuals, she explains.
Ben Saves the Day is available at www. oyezbookstore.com.
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