The Times Property Charity Foundation's sponsored exhibit, called "Me and the World: A Pu’s Paintings" is being held at the Art Center of Culture Complex. Mr. Chen Yuanpu, a 38-year-old special-needs person and gifted painter, invites the public into his unique world; a place in which music and the mind's eye meet. "My views about the world and life are embodied in the classical music in my paintings," he says. 

·The painter, Mr. Chen Yuanpu

A Pu, a special-needs person conventionally labeled as "mentally handicapped," has a life that is very different from most of us. He has suffered from illness since his birth. In 1988 he was diagnosed with retardation and was labeled as "mentally disturbed." In 2009 he suffered vertebral hemangioma, and two years later he suffered a stroke. However, throughout the years he has not only carried on a tenacious struggle against illness but has, under the guidance of teachers from Guangzhou Children's Palace, developed increasing interest in classical music, expressed his feelings by painting and produced more than 3,000 paintings in reflection of classical music. A Pu's black-and-white picture album, "The Soundless Music," was published in that period and has been republished multiple times during the past 17 years. Thus, it has become a veritable textbook for students at the Art School and Special Education Center of Guangzhou Children's Palace. It was because of him that the special art education was launched by Guangzhou Children's Palace. Moreover, A Pu has on many occasions held solo and joint exhibitions in Guangzhou. 

The exhibition was curated by Prof. Fan Lin, of the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts. He selected more than 200 pieces from at least 3,000 paintings by A Pu. Each of the chosen works is something cherished by the artist: These unique "dialogues" between A Pu and great masters of music are the strongest embodiments of his own inventiveness. Through the exhibition, we see A Pu's talent, which he gives in payment for all the love and care he has received, as well as the inspirations he gives to this world. It is hoped that the show will promote discussion regarding the possibility of greater involvement and acceptance by society. Thus, it is expected that the warmth of this exhibition will spread and be long-lasting. A Pu demonstrates the awareness that he isn't merely an individual but is instead one who strives to speak for the groups in darkness, many of whom cannot speak for themselves. He is most certainly deserving of his tangible honors, such as the "Inspirational Education Achievement Award." His life and talent have enriched humankind, awakening the compassion and charity that might otherwise remain dormant. 

·The painter, Mr. Chen Yuanpu

A Pu, in his exhibition, confessed that he is not a "genius," adding, "My mom said I'm a troublesome person who is talented in a certain field." His mother said, "A Pu now requires nursing care every day, and he needs means of support in order to walk. Severe illness could strike him once every ten years. He is also aware that in his body there are bombs that may go off at any time." A Pu has been plagued by illness since birth, and today he relies on the walking support to move about in his neighborhood. 

A Pu's exhibition, which was organized by Times Culture Complex Cultural and Creative Industrial Park, is jointly sponsored by Guangzhou Times Property Charity Foundation and Guangzhou Children's Palace with the assistance of Times Museum and Sweet Charity. The event is open to the public, and admission is free of charge. 

·The poster promoting A Pu's exhibition

Times Property Charity Foundation and Guangzhou Children's Palace have cooperated on several occasions in order to support the educational needs of special children. Since 2013, Times Property Charity Foundation has organized multiple art activities and performances designed to develop camaraderie between special children and ordinary kids so that society can successfully assimilate all its young people. In fact, at an evening party given to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Times Property Charity Foundation, RMB 1.15 million was raised for special children's education. Guangzhou Children's Palace established the Educational Center for Special Children in 2006 in order to provide free academics for a yearly quota of 2,000 special children. It also established the "Rainbow After the Rain" choir as a means to develop a comprehensive platform of art education, dance performance, creative exhibition and more for teens with special needs. Seizing this latest opportunity, Times Property Charity Foundation and Guangzhou Children's Palace have cooperated as sponsors of "Me and the World: A Pu’s Paintings" in the hope that A Pu can speak well for special-needs artists, a group of people who have for so long yearned to make their voices heard. 

Time: From January 16 to March 15

Venue: Art Center of Culture Complex (Building C3, Culture Complex Phase II, No. 33 Huangyuan Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou)