{
  "id": 7039902,
  "title": "Their art, their way: How three artists are challenging art's boundaries",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/their-art-their-way-how-three-artists-are-challenging-arts-boundaries",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-13T01:30:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/sunday-vibes/2026/09/1531528/their-art-their-way-how-three-artists-are-challenging-arts"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Each of the three young artists discussed began with art as a therapy or pastime. Zidane, a 9-year-old autistic child, found solace in painting during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. Branden, 18, with spinal muscular atrophy, began painting to keep his fingers moving and as a way to communicate. Sabrina, 18 with Down syndrome, started exploring art with her mother to aid her personal development.\n\nTheir paintings have gained attention at the Seni Mekar: Art in Bloom exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, alongside works by other young artists with disabilities. The artists' parents, however, faced a misconception that their children could not create sellable art. For Zidane's parents, Aiman and Aslina, seeing their son's name on a gallery wall challenged that belief, showing them how limiting that perception can be.\n\nFor Branden's parents, Edmund and Yap, art was a means to help their son move and communicate. As his condition progressed, his ability to paint changed, requiring assistance from Yap, who facilitates his painting while he lies down. Despite the changes, Edmund believes the art holds a statement that is intentional and meaningful.\n\nSabrina's mother, Joyce, initially viewed art as another form of therapy. However, she realized there was more to it and learned to appreciate Sabrina's unique way of creating. Through her methodical approach, Joyce has learned to let Sabrina explore her art in her own way, challenging herself to see beyond her initial expectations.",
  "summary": "ART began differently for each of these special children. For 9-year-old Zidane, it was a lockdown hobby. For Branden Lim, painting kept his fingers moving. And for 18-year-old Sabrina Teoh, it was to support her personal development.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}