Picturing the dream to define the self

Autism hasn’t prevented Alex Loveday from dreaming it big. His work will be exhibited along with that of other artists with special needs at Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai, from April 18 to May 2.

Alex Loveday with the ‘I am What I am’ exhibition plaque and works of other artists that will be on show. — Supplied photos 

Twenty-two-year-old Alex Loveday may be “different” to some of his peers, but he says it’s that difference that makes him unique to others.

“I do have autism but I don’t look like I have autism. I can have normal conversations with people and I have special abilities that others with the disability don’t have.”

Loveday will be one of the exhibiting artists showcasing his work at the upcoming ‘I am Who I am’ art exhibition in Dubai. Hosted in collaboration with Art Couture and ‘Mawaheb - from Beautiful People’ — Dubai’s only art studio for people with special needs — the event will take place from April 18 to May 2 at Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai.

“I’m very excited and my mum and dad are looking forward to it too,” Loveday told Khaleej Times from the Mawaheb studio on Wednesday.

Through the eyes and brushes of these uniquely talented artists, the exhibition explores issues of identity and representation, inspired by the iconic contemporary New York artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Though Loveday was not familiar with Basquiat’s works prior to working on the exhibition, his emotive images, which challenge people to look at the multiple issues of culture, identity and race, struck a chord with all Mawaheb artists.

And for Loveday, it provoked a new-found love for the artist.

“My art teacher told me about his work and I watched a movie about his life. Like many of us artists, Basquiat experienced some tough times in his life and I like the way he represents this in is paintings,” he explained.

Described as “truly scrumptious” by his art teacher, Gulshan Kavarana, Loveday said although he may be different in some people’s eyes, that doesn’t stop them from loving his artworks. “Every time I exhibit my work to people, they always tell me how much they love the pieces.”

After moving to Dubai with his parents four years ago from the US, Loveday joined Mawaheb after the centre’s founder, Wemmy de Maaker, visited his home.

“Wemmy encouraged me to explore my creative side and asked me to join the centre. Now, as well as painting, I also make jewellery,” he said.

For the ‘I am Who I am’ exhibition, Loveday is bringing to life one of his biggest fantasies: His dream wedding. “I painted my dream wedding complete with the perfect bride and groom, best man and maid of honour. It’s a sunset wedding under a pretty gazebo and we are surrounded by lavender flowers.”

A scene fit to make any girl’s heart flutter, Loveday’s piece is a true representation of the wedding he someday wishes to have.

“I have also added some personal messages to the painting. In one of them, my bride tells me I am perfect and the other message says ‘don’t be afraid to be who you are’. I for one am not afraid of who I am,” he said.

A number of talented Mawaheb artists will be exhibiting at the show alongside Loveday including Abdulla Lutfi, Adrian D’Souza, Ali Alsalhi and Angelina Lawless, among others. — kelly@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE