[Explanation] In the Disabled Persons' Federation of Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, there is a free studio called "Colorful Dream". All the students in this studio are people with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other mentally handicapped people.
The studio was established in 2013 and has now helped hundreds of people with mental disabilities undergo rehabilitation training through painting and express their inner feelings through painting.
[Explanation] Xu Yujiang is the initiator of this studio, and she is also called "Mother Xu" by the students in the studio.
In the corner of the studio, Xu Yujiang is accompanying his 33-year-old daughter Xie Xinxin to create a portrait of a person.
Xu Yujiang said that her daughter unfortunately suffered from cerebral palsy when she was born, but she has shown her talent for painting since she was young, and painting has become a way for her to communicate with the outside world.
After retiring, Xu Yujiang and a non-profit organization founded this studio. Not only did he give his daughter a quiet place to paint, but also gave other children with mental disabilities a platform to open and close their hearts.
[Concurrent] Xu Yujiang, founder of "Colorful Dream" studio
I am retired, and I decided to accompany my daughter to go further on the road of painting.
So it must be a very meaningful thing to drive such a group of children who are similar to her to grow together.
I have been growing up with Xin Xin. Now that I can accompany so many children, I feel that my life is indeed very meaningful in doing this.
[Explanation] Xie Xinxin did not have the intelligence, expression, and self-care ability of a healthy child since she was a child. It was a bit difficult for her to squeeze paint and hold a paintbrush.
Next to Xie Xinxin, there are full of oil paintings created by her, and one of them is a self-portrait of her.
[Concurrent] Xie Xinxin, a student of "Colorful Dream" studio
I want to be a painter.
(Then you become a painter, what is your favorite painting?) There are landscapes and figures.
(How do you think more people can see your paintings?) Do a painting exhibition.
(What do you want to do in a painting exhibition?) Let everyone see my paintings.
(Why are your lips blue in your self-portrait?) This is an artistic feeling.
[Explanation] With the strong support and company of her mother, Xie Xinxin has been studying painting with a number of professional teachers since 2007, and she has created thousands of works so far.
These works of Xie Xinxin have bold colors and rich imagination, and have also been recognized by many professionals.
[Concurrent] Xu Yujiang, founder of "Colorful Dream" studio
Xin Xin received funding from the Wucai Fund initiated by Zhou Chunya in 2013. On this platform, her paintings have also been exhibited in many countries such as the United States, France, and South Korea.
Her work was at the Chengdu Art Festival in 2019, and 4 of her large works were acquired and collected by professionals.
We saw a self-portrait of her. She drew her own red face, small freckles, and her characteristics.
Many people think that the freckles on her face are not pretty, but she thinks these are her marks, and she draws them with confidence.
I think this reflects that her mentality is actually very sunny and healthy.
[Explanation] Li Changran, a mentally handicapped person who has painted in the studio for 8 years, has a deep affection for this place.
He said that in the past, he was lonely and bored at home. After coming to the studio, he made many friends.
[Concurrent] Li Changran, a student of "Colorful Dream" studio
I used to not talk a lot at home, and it was a bit difficult for my parents to take me.
This (studio) is equivalent to our training class, let us train, let us talk more and communicate more.
[Explanation] Xu Yujiang has become a full-time volunteer in the studio for more than 8 years since she ran the studio. She has also gone from knowing nothing about painting to being half an "expert" today.
Xu Yujiang said that as long as his energy can support, he will continue to paint with these mentally handicapped children.
Chen Xuanbin reports from Chengdu
Editor in charge: [Zhang Kaixin]