Artists with Intellectual Disabilities Exhibit in Leioa

The Artea Shopping Center in Leioa hosts nearly fifty works by artists with intellectual disabilities from the Gaude association until May 30.

Generic image of a library interior with a microphone and empty chairs.
IA

Generic image of a library interior with a microphone and empty chairs.

The Artea Shopping Center in Leioa is showcasing approximately fifty artworks by about twenty artists with intellectual disabilities from the Gaude association, available for free public viewing until May 30.

This exhibition combines reinterpretations of great names in art history with original creations imbued with personal experiences. The project originated from Gaude's plastic expression workshop, a space with over thirty years of history.
The association states that while the themes in each annual collection are diverse, the overarching goal is to "accompany each person in enjoying their leisure, fostering their autonomy, participation, and communication." Currently, the sessions are coordinated by artist and educator Ana Armentia and involve 22 participants who find visual creation to be "a tool for empowerment."
The exhibited pieces, created on 50 by 45-centimeter canvases, utilize various techniques such as watercolor, colored pencils, markers, and oil. The collection engages in dialogue with influential figures in the art world, from Botero or Hergé to Magritte, Dalí, Nara, or Kusama, also incorporating manga influences and compositions with simple strokes.
The exhibition is designed as an open journey for visitors. Furthermore, the artworks can be purchased through the association, which promotes the initiative alongside the commercial entity hosting the exhibition in its facilities.