SINGAPORE — Unlocking ADHD, in collaboration with Tay Guan Hin, Creative Chairman of BBDO Singapore and author of the best-selling Penguin book Collide, recently presented “Where Art and ADHD Collide,” a groundbreaking event held at ARTitude Galería in Singapore. This unique occasion celebrated the fusion of creativity, diversity, and the intersection of art and mental health.
The event took place on April 22, 2024, honored by the presence of Lee Chen Ee, Group Director of Innovation and Transformation at Singapore Health Services, as the guest of honor. Her attendance highlighted the importance of using creativity to raise awareness and promote mental health. Moonlake Lee, Executive Director of Unlocking ADHD, also graced the event as a special guest, sharing invaluable insights and personal perspectives on ADHD. Unlocking ADHD is a charity and social service agency that empowers people with ADHD and their families to live life to the fullest.
The evening featured a diverse lineup of exceptionally talented artists with ADHD. Among them was Khaitama D. Sun, fondly referred as “Khai,” Singapore’s sole artist who created artwork with drumsticks that synchronized with the rhythm of words. Khai’s unique talents were showcased as he simultaneously crafted two masterpieces with his left and right hands, marking Singapore’s first-ever live painting. The painting is called Rhythmic Dance of Chaos. Additionally, artist Rachel Elena Tng, who was late-diagnosed with autism and ADHD, presented her captivating live painting titled The World According To, which received warm applause from the audience. Attendees had the opportunity to bid on these extraordinary creations, with proceeds benefiting both the artists and Unlocking ADHD. Sales of all books also contributed to Unlocking ADHD’s cause.
Lee Chen Ee, commented on the initiative: “It is most heartening that this event brings together individuals from all walks of life, different occupations, and different industries, for a common goal – to promote acceptance, awareness and celebration of neurodiversity. I hope we can all continue supporting initiatives such as these that promote a movement towards inclusion and understanding.”
Collide author Guan Hin Tay remarked, “This sensorial experience demonstrated how the unique thinking of individuals with ADHD could revolutionize the world, much like the unexpected fusion of ideas in my book Collide leads to extraordinary creation.”
Moonlake Leed also expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted to be part of this unique event. Our aim is to celebrate the artistic talents of individuals with ADHD and foster an inclusive space for dialogue and understanding.”
The concept of Singapore’s first-ever live painting by an ADHD artist was curated by Ganesh Somwanshi, Founder of Mett.AI. He shared, “Art can empower people from all walks of life and serve as a healing element in everyday life. I am grateful to Tay Guan Hin for the opportunity to be part of this project.”
“Where Art and ADHD Collide” served as an event and a movement toward acceptance, understanding, and celebration of neurodiversity. It transcended the traditional event format, creating an inclusive space for dialogue and appreciation of diverse talents.
The evening was a resounding success, with a diverse audience comprising corporate leaders, educational pioneers, media influencers, and community members who champion creativity and inclusivity. Together, they supported the ADHD community through the transformative power of art, marking a significant step toward acceptance, understanding, and celebration of neurodiversity.
