Arunan is for the most part non-verbal and lives with Autism. He communicates his thoughts and feelings using Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) with visuals, gestures and through his art. If you can’t already tell, he loves animals. Arunan takes his inspiration from the world around him including numerous trips to Farms, Aquariums, the Easter Show and Zoos such as Taronga Zoo (Sydney and Western Plains); all made possible with the support of his family: his twin brother Anujan, his sister Menaha and mother Sara.

Arunan worked with Jerome in 2013 and 2014 introducing him to digital illustration. This allowed for a consistency with the level of simplicity in line work and colour selection that Arunan was already accustomed to. Even though he hadn’t used digital drawing tools before, Arunan picked up drawing with a tablet very quickly and soon developed his very own style. Arunan’s artwork is created using a Wacom Cintiq with Photoshop. In early 2015, Arunan began working with artist George Tillianakis. George is interested in maintaining a consistency in Arunan’s work by continuing to draw his farm animals and sea life, but has also begun to explore and experiment with drawing flowers, fruit and old cottage houses, in the style of still life. Arunan’s favourite animal to draw and admire is the Anglo-Nubian Goat, which he is working with George to create a series of digital drawings dedicated solely to the farm animal.

All of the proceeds from the collection goes towards fostering independence for Arunan in the future.

Thank you for supporting Arunan and what we hope is the first of many Art Exhibitions to come.

We hope that his expression and experience of life will touch you as much as it does us each and every day.