"In my silent world, words may fail, but colors and shapes tell their tale." - Sarah Marshall

Amritansh Singh, a non-verbal, multi-faceted, neuro-diverse, outsider artist with a knack for creating mesmerizing, thought-provoking paintings made his international debut at the prestigious National Assembly Members Building in Seoul, Republic of Korea at the age of just 15.

Initially employed as a tool for learning, colours evolved into a medium through which he could share his unique story by painting the canvas the hues of his inner world. This prodigy has showcased his artistic skills in several group and solo exhibitions. His journey began in the year 2018 with the exhibition ‘Views from Planet Autism’. This led to a cascade of subsequent exhibitions, beginning with his first solo show, "Awesomism Autism," in Patna on World Autism Awareness Day in 2022 followed by an exhibition with the same title held in Gurugram. It was followed by "Universe in my Arms" at the Indian Habitat Center (IHC) in 2023, and most notably, "Colours of Silence" in the Republic of Korea.

In 2023, commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Korea, his latest exhibition 'Colours Of Silence' featured 45 spectacular artworks. Amritansh was lauded by numerous dignitaries and attendees. Mr. Amit Kumar, our ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea stated, "This art exhibition reminds us that everyone, regardless of background or ability, has something unique to offer. It inspires us to create a more inclusive world embracing creativity."

Amritansh's artwork is characterized by an unconventional color palette and unique painting styles. His abstract approach and freestyle expression transcend traditional forms of art, particularly evident in his vibrant depictions of the universe, earth, and sky, inviting viewers to explore a world where imagination and emotion intertwine. His paintings reflect a profound understanding of his environment, offering a unique perspective on artistic beauty.

A Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Han Jun-Ho remarked that despite differences, there are shared elements in our experiences. He encouraged everyone attending the special exhibition to discover the warmth in Amritansh’s perspective.

Amritansh's passion extends beyond painting; he also loves horse riding, motorbikes, skating, cycling, and yoga, showcasing his diverse talents and interests. Major D.P. Singh, a retired officer of the Indian Army likened Amritansh to nature, noting his equal treatment of everyone. This trait is reflected in Amritansh's unique bond with his mare Supriya. Together, they won first prize in horse riding when he was just 7 years old.

Throughout his artistic journey of self-discovery, Amritansh's mother Rohini Singh has been an indispensable source of guidance, nurturing her son's talent and development. An inspiration to many parents, Rohini's journey began when she discovered her son's autism spectrum disorder. In response, she made the courageous decision to leave her job and take care of her son's needs and established Pravritti Trust, an Indian social enterprise dedicated to improving social awareness and developing education projects for the specially-abled community.

Inspired by Erma Bombeck's poem 'The Special Mother', Rohini emphasizes that God blesses a special child to only those who can handle it as it requires an extra of every attribute. She underscores the importance of cherishing every moment with her son and finding gratitude in life's small moments. She recounted in a YWCA webinar how art became a medium for her to foster a deeper relationship with Amritansh, gaining a better understanding of him in the process.

For many parents navigating similar journeys, Amritansh’s story provides hope and inspiration demonstrating the profound impact of parental support and the potential for artistic expression to empower individuals with special needs.

“The stages of special parenting starts with understanding, accepting and finally celebrating.” - Mrs. Rohini Singh

The writer is a student of BA Journalism and Psychology at St. Joseph's University.