Visual Voices
Art of the Spectrum
By Vernel Black
April is Autism Acceptance Month with April 2nd designated as World Autism Awareness Day by the United Nations. To celebrate this, on March 29, 2026, Positive Exposure and Strokes of Genius unveiled Visual Voices: Art of the Spectrum, a new exhibition featuring the work of Donna Williams, Jonathan Lerman, Ping Lian Yeak, and Amoako Buachie.
Dr. Rosa Martinez is the President and founder of Strokes of Genius, Inc., a non-profit organization that empowers the artistic voices of neurodivergent individuals, aiming to increase understanding and acceptance of the autistic community worldwide. Dr. Martinez curates exhibitions in the United States and beyond that feature the art of autistic savants. In addition to the artists featured in this show, she has worked with world-renowned artists Stephen Wiltshire, George Widener, Gregory Blackstock, and the engineering genius Temple Grandin, creating awareness and exposure of their abilities.
The show explores quotes from the Strokes of Genius statement: “Celebrates autistic abilities through the works of four extraordinary artists. Each artist transforms their canvas into a dialogue of color and texture that shapes how they made sense of the world.” Dr. Rosa Martinez, plus her staff, artist Amoako Buachie, and many families were present. Also, plenty of guests from different organizations and the community attended the art opening.
Donna Williams (1963 - 2017) an author, autism rights advocate, screenwriter, singer-songwriter and artist, is known for her art as “a bridge between her internal world shaped by her autism, agnosia, and dissociative identity disorder and the external world”. Her works often engage with “a series of notes to herself, to help her make sense of her own chaotic world”. Donna’s works have been featured in many documentaries.
Johnathan Lerman (b. 1987) an artist with autism and savant skills is known for his charcoal drawings. His drawings often engage with drawing faces to show “deep emotional content”. His works have been shown at the Outsider Art Fair, the Today Show, 48 Hours, and many international media outlets.
Ping Lan Yeak (b. 1993) began his drawing journey at the age of eight. Ping Lian was born with poor fine motor skills, and he started out by tracing and coloring to improve these skills. Over time, he developed a deep interest in drawing and used his art as a form of expression. His art has been exhibited at The Salmagundi Art Society, Carnegie Hall, Cooper Union, The United Nations, and many contemporary fine art galleries. At the age of 15, his very own gallery, ‘Ping Lian @ The Art Commune’ opened (2009-2020). It was established by The Art Commune and supported by JPMorgan Chase Foundation (2009) in collaboration with the Association of British Women in Malaysia (ABWM) to support exhibitions promoting autism awareness and hope through art.
Amoako Buachie (b. 1991) is known for his wonderful paintings. Amoako started his art journey at the age of two by drawing sketches. At the age of 18, Amoako began to excel in painting with the guidance of his art teacher. His work was displayed at the Lincoln Center, Don’t ‘dis’ the Ability, the Mainly Mozart Festival in San Diego, CA, and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. He received news coverage from ABC 7 Eyewitness News, the Daily News, Caribbean Life, and News 12 Brooklyn.
All four artists were featured in Don’t ‘dis’ the Ability, curated by Dr. Martinez, President and founder of Strokes of Genius, Inc.
The exhibition features many works including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. Highlights include: Two well-known paintings titled Ubudian Mosque 1 and New York City (2015) by Ping Lian Yeak. A pair of realistic, scenic paintings by Amoako Buachie titled: Scenes of Nature (2011) and Pansies (2016). The Therapist (2008) and Let’s Get Flexible (2011) by Donna Williams showcases her inner view through her art. Untitled #44 by Jonathan Lerman was chosen for an album cover plus he created various bust sculpture pieces. Out of all the pieces shown at the gallery, these several art pieces pack a punch with visual expression. Looking at them tells a beautiful story of the process of translating from the artist’s thoughts to canvas, paper, and sculpture with their hands.
The layout of the space enhances the experience by the brightness of the gigantic studio space that allows each art piece to have their own space for viewers to truly explore each artist’s unique perspectives.
The opening event itself was lively and engaging, starting with a video presentation about the artists plus a snippet of a documentary An Open Door by Temple Grandin, a well-known advocate on the Autism spectrum. The audience are engaged with the art pieces by observing, having various discussions about how talented the artists are despite stereotypes that Autistic individuals are unable to communicate verbally and follow conventional social cues.
This exhibition stands out because it showcases the talent of autistic individuals not only by showing their world view through art, but that there are many ways to form communication outside of speaking. It also contributes to ongoing discussions about breaking stereotypes of neurodivergent individuals by giving opportunities and support for them to thrive in a world that is not made for them.
Visual Voices: Art of the Spectrum will be on view at Positive Exposure Gallery from March 29, 2026, to April 29, 2026, at 83 Maiden Lane 4th Floor New York, NY 10036, Please contact events@positiveexposure.org or 212-420-1931 for more information.