Tue, Jul 14, 2015 - Page 12 News List

In pursuit of independence

An artist with Asperger’s syndrome returns to Taiwan to pursue his art career and learn to be self sufficient

By Han Cheung  /  Staff Reporter

COLORFUL ARTWORK

Alex’s apartment is exceptionally clean. He likes things neat and ordered, and doesn’t like his things being touched or moved. On his desk, next to a box of color pencils, is his latest creation.

It’s a colorful scene with a group of people, all with the same faces, all smiles. They seem to be enjoying their time, drinking a variety of labeled juices. Alex’s work is cartoonish, and operates on a flat, two-dimensional basis. But, that doesn’t mean they lack depth. Some of his paintings have layers and layers of patterns, text and objects — all brought to life with a his brilliant palette, unique compositions and a subtle yet meticulous attention to detail.

His subjects are often people he knows, and are often set in places he’s been, but everything has been reconstructed through his eyes. The pieces are mostly named after people, places and events. He has a book of paintings that chronicle a road trip from Sydney to Perth. There are whimsical elements, though — the way a subjects’ legs curve, people depicted on garments people are wearing and the existence of a 1,000,000,000,000-channel future news.

While he is currently working in color pencil, he also paints in acrylic. Having started painting at age 15, Alex has entered a variety of competitions in Australia and won a number of awards, most recently the Hornsby Art Prize and Waverly Art Prize, all claimed last year.

Some of his posters are on display at Dv8, a bar in Taipei.

In 2013, he participated in The Sight Project, a workshop for artists with disabilities, culminating in an exhibition.

Alex is also an avid blogger and sells T-shirts with his paintings on them online.

Many people with Aspergers have trouble settling down and often suffer from anxiety. Art is calming for Alex, who says it makes him happy. He hopes to develop his craft, gain exposure and make a living off his art one day.

“I want to open my own business and go worldwide,” he says.

For more information, visit Alex’s T-shirt site at www.postatee.com/00000850 and his blog at funnylittledetails.blogspot.tw. His Facebook is www.facebook.com/ampdym.

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