Art beyond sight: Tapping the creativity of visually-impaired people

Art beyond sight:  Tapping the creativity of visually-impaired people

Those who think of art solely in visual terms may feel daunted by the prospect of tapping the creativity of visually-impaired people in an art workshop. This assumption was challenged in the “UOB Please Touch” workshops conducted by Klongdinsor Company and UOB (Thai). The workshops, which have been held for three consecutive years, have helped more than 600 visually-impaired children and adults experience, appreciate and create artworks.

This year, the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) has joined as a UOB Please Touch partner to provide the venue and promotional support for the workshops.  

In the latest UOB Please Touch programme, participants are able to pay kindness forward by donating their finished artworks to foundations in need of support. For example, painted aprons made from hand-woven cotton were given to visually-impaired children attending cooking workshops, headdresses created with Sashiko Art were given to cancer patients, hair clips made from paper quilling were given to underprivileged children at orphanages while macramé dog collars were donated to the dogs at the Home for Animals.

Sanchai Apisaksirikul, Managing Director and Country Head of Finance and Corporate Services at UOB (Thai) PCL, said “​​​​​​​​​​Giving back to the communities where we live and work is fundamental to UOB’s business philosophy. We are committed to helping to build inclusive communities through art, children and education. These causes are important to us as we strongly believe they are essential to the progress of Thailand, its economy and people.”

“We see that art plays a vital role in society and believe that art appreciation should be accessible to all. We show our support for art in many ways, with the UOB Please Touch programme one of them. With the support of our partners, we organise practical and hands-on workshop sessions to inspire the imagination of the visually impaired. UOB volunteers are on hand to help participants by holding scissors, tying knots or passing them equipment to help ensure they can produce wonderful artworks without difficulty.”

Associate Prof Tuksina Pipitkul, the key instructor and an expert in art for people with visual impairments who designed the workshop, said, “Like all of us, people with visual impairments have artistic potential and are capable of doing many things. These workshops have proved that visual disability is not an obstacle to art creation, but opportunities and accesses are.”

Jerdsilp Sukhuminda or Kru Art, an art lecturer at the Bangkok School for the Blind, said, “If you understand art, you will understand people and the society. This is a class that cannot be taught in schools. Art has no boundaries and fixed forms unlike humans who often frame themselves and their life. Thinking outside the box is not always wrong. As a result, people have a wider perspective and become better human beings.”

Rattana Patkanta, 50, affectionately called Auntie Rat, attended last year’s workshop, said, “I like art and enjoy creating artworks. The skills I have learned at the workshops have also enabled me to earn additional income on top of selling lottery tickets. Working on art also calms me down and encourages mindfulness. With the newly-learned skill, I can also produce works as gifts for others.”

Supansa “Nong Fern” Wannakot, 14, said, “I enjoy the workshops and would like to attend such activities more often. I also like creating artworks because drawing or painting helps me reduce stress. It is fun participating in the workshop and I can also adapt it to my daily life.”

Vanida Vilaivaravith, a UOB volunteer who helped facilitate the workshop, said, “I feel great and very happy at the workshops and have learned a lot more about people with visual impairments. Helping people to express themselves through art is also a way to do good deeds.”

The UOB Please Touch programme aims to inspire people with visual impairments to know no boundaries, to generate a potential source of income as an artist and to share their works of art with others.

Each of the items created at the UOB Please Touch workshops is unique and will warm the heart of the recipient.