An exhibition of the work of Italian artists opened in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, as the week-long Special Olympic Games got underway in the United Emirates capital, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
The selection of works by Diego Salezze and Lisa Perini will be on display as part of an initiative promoted by the Inclusive Art Gallery, the statement said. The Italian embassy organised the exhibition taking place under the Special Olympic Games' Legacy Program, which aims to raise people’s awareness of disability by promoting inclusiveness and overcoming cultural and social barriers.
The two Italian artists have been able to express their creativity thanks to their determination and the support of Leonardo Zoccante, the coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Group on Autism of the Department of Child Neuropsychiatry of the University Clinic of Verona, the statement noted.
Together with Ruggero Mason, Zoccante founded Euritmie – Special Talents Access to the Arts, an art event that aims to bring together people with special talents which been presenting works of art and holding seminars and forums for the exchange of experiences between scholars of autism since 2015.
Lisa Perini graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts of Venice and, since 1997, has won several awards and participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Europe, America and Asia.
Diego Salezze has tkaen part in many exhibitions and one of his works was shown by Italy's president Sergio Mattarella during his annual New Year’s address to the nation as an example of determination.
